Template-Assisted Synthesis of Sc-Doped Ru-Integrated N-Graphitized Carbon for Efficient Asymmetric Supercapacitors with Enhanced Stability

As global energy demand increases, the search for efficient and sustainable energy storage systems has become increasingly important. Among the numerous options, supercapacitors (SCs) stand out due to their remarkable power density, long operational lifespan, and eco-friendly nature. Herein, the series of Ru-based MOFs doped with varying concentrations of scandium (5%, 10%, and 15%) were synthesized by utilizing a hydrogen-bonded organic framework as a sacrificial template. The resulting materials were then carbonized under an argon environment to obtain Sc-doped Ru-integrated N-doped graphitic carbon. Among them, the sample with 10% Sc, labeled NG10, exhibited an exceptional specific capacitance of 3142 F/g, which is higher than its base MOF (2200 F/g) at a current density of 1 A/g. The optimized electrode material exhibited a remarkable cyclic stability of 97% after 20,000 cycles. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor device for the NG10 material was also assembled, and it showed a specific capacitance of 262 F/g over a current density of 1A/g, with a capacitance retention of 96% even after 30,000 cycles. These results highlight the importance of template-assisted metal-incorporated nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon as a potential candidate for efficient energy storage applications.