The conversion of asphalt into hexagon-like porous carbon (HPC) with a micro-mesoporous structure is realized by the coupling of template-directing and chemical activation methodologies. The specific surface area of HPC can reach up to 1356 m2 g-1 even at such a low-proportioned dosage of activator (0.5-fold) and is also larger than those of template-directed carbon and activation-derived carbon, as it benefited from the coupling merits of template-directing and chemical activation. Excellent capacitive-energy-storage behavior with respect to rate capability, capacitance retention, and durability are delivered by HPC//HPC symmetric supercapacitors assembled with aqueous and organic electrolytes. This great compatibility for different kinds of electrolytes and electrode properties is owed to the robust hexagon-like microarchitecture feature associated with hierarchical pore structure, which not only hinders the stacking between each other but also provides a buffer function for the volume variation and sufficient active sites for the storage of electrolyte ions. The drastic temperature variation has almost no influence on the diffusion and transfer rate of electrolyte ions, further evidencing the advanced feature of the hierarchical pore structure. Additionally, HPC//Li4Ti5O12 LIC assembled with the Li-based electrolyte also presents a superior Ragone performance. The coexistence of micro- and mesopores for the HPC makes it an attractive electrode material for various capacitive-energy-storage devices. This work provides a promising way to realize the plasticity of pore channels and mass production of high capacitive storage ability of electrode material via the combination of template-directing and chemical activation strategies.
Keywords: capacitive behavior; compatibility; electrolyte; hierarchical pore structure; low-temperature performance.