Horseshoe-shaped Hollow Porous Carbon: Synthesis by Hydrothermal Carbonization with Dual-template and Electrochemical Property

The microreactor was constructed by using the block copolymer (P123)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) hybrid emulsion. Horseshoe-shaped hollow porous carbon was prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of xylose. The results showed that hydrothermal reaction of xylose occurred at interface between microreactor and solution. Hydrophilicity of PEO (hydrophilic block in P123) decreased at hydrothermal temperature of 160 degrees C. Hybrid emulsion was swelled and destroyed gradually because PEO ran into the interior of emulsion. Furthermore, the morphology of microreactor could be regulated by the mass ratio of P123/SDS and the opening angle, and cavity diameter could be controlled by the hydrothermal time. Owing to the open cavity, the capacity of charges and ions was magnified and transport distance was reduced. In addition, specific capacitance and energy density of porous carbons were improved and showed positive correlation with cavity diameter. The horseshoe-shaped hollow porous carbon with largest opening angle (63 degrees), cavity diameter (80 nm) and optimal supercapacitor performance was obtained at a P123/SDS mass ratio of 1.25 : 1 by hydrothermal method for 12 h. In a three-electrode system, the product showed a high specific capacitance of 292 F center dot g(-1) at a current density of 1 A center dot g(-1). In a two-electrode system, the product showed an excellent energy density (6.44 Wh center dot kg(-1)), specific capacitance of 185 F center dot g(-1) at a current density of 0.2 A center dot g(-1) and outstanding cycling stability (94.83%) after 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 A center dot g(-1).