Zeolite-Templated\nCarbons as Supercapacitors: The\nFundamental Role of Structural and Textural Properties

Zeolite-templated carbons (ZTCs) with controlled properties\n(particle\nsize, porous network, and structural organization) were used as model\nmaterials to understand their performance in supercapacitors. At low\ncurrent rates (0.1 A g<sup>–1</sup>), the capacitance in 1\nM H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> electrolyte is governed by the specific\nsurface area and increases with the <i>S</i><sub>BET</sub> up to ∼2300 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>–1</sup> and then\ndecreases for higher <i>S</i><sub>BET</sub>. At a high current\ndensity (10 A g<sup>–1</sup>), the capacitance retention is\naffected by several ZTC properties. Higher mesoporous volume and lower\nC/O and C/H ratios (high O-groups and edge defect sites) lead to the\ncapacitance retention enhancement. Among the long-range ordered ZTCs\n(FAU, EMT, and beta), beta ZTC shows the highest capacitance retention\nowing to its highest mesopore volume, which favors electrolyte diffusion.\nMoreover, the structural organization of ZTC proved to play an important\nrole on the capacitance retention as well. Therefore, disordered materials\n(FAU-ZTC-anthracene) show higher capacitance (∼140 F g<sup>–1</sup> at 0.1 A g<sup>–1</sup>), capacitance retention\n(67% at 10 A g <sup>–1</sup>), and long-term cycling (87% after\n10000 cycles) than ordered materials (FAU-ZTC-ethylene). Overall,\nthis work highlights the importance not only of the specific surface\narea but also of the pore architecture and organization, particle\nsize, and chemical structure.