Edge-Rich Quasi-Mesoporous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework Derived from Palm Tree Bark Hair for Electrochemical Applications

Abstract

Biomass with abundant resources and low price is regarded as potential sources of functionalized carbon-based energy storage and conversion electrode materials. Rational construction and development of biomass-derived carbon equipped with proper morphology, structure, and composition prove the key to highly efficient utilization of advanced energy storage systems. Herein, we use palm tree bark hair as a biomass source and prepare edge/defect-rich quasi-mesoporous carbon (QMC) by a direct pyrolysis followed by NaOH etching strategy. Then, the edge-rich quasi-mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon (QMNC) is successfully fabricated through the hydrothermal method by making use of edge/defect-rich QMC and urea as carbon precursor and nitrogen source, respectively. The microstructure and composition of the resultant carbon materials are all detected by a series of techniques. In the meantime, the influence of the etching process on the preparation and electrochemical performance of edge-rich QMNC is systematically explored. The relevant results manifest that the as-prepared edge/defect-rich QMC not only possesses edge-rich plane, much increased specific surface area (SSA), and special quasi-mesopores but also reverses good conductivity and gains sufficient defects for subsequent N doping. After introducing N atoms, the obtained edge-rich QMNC exhibits outstanding capacitive property and oxygen reduction reaction performance, which are mainly attributed to the co-effect of edge-rich plane, large SSA, suitable pore structures, and effective N doping (including high doping amount and optimized N configurations). Clearly, our work not only offers an excellent biomass-derived carbon-based electrode material but also opens a fresh avenue for the development of advanced biomass-derived carbon-based electrode materials.