Nitrogen-enriched graphene framework from a large-scale magnesiothermic conversion of CO₂ with synergistic kinetics for high-power lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors are envisaged as promising energy-storage devices to simultaneously achieve a large energy density and high-power output at quick charge and discharge rates. However, the mismatched kinetics between capacitive cathodes and faradaic anodes still hinder their practical application for high-power purposes. To tackle this problem, the electron and ion transport of both electrodes should be substantially improved by targeted structural design and controllable chemical doping. Herein, nitrogen-enriched graphene frameworks are prepared via a large-scale and ultrafast magnesiothermic combustion synthesis using CO₂ and melamine as precursors, which exhibit a crosslinked porous structure, abundant functional groups and high electrical conductivity (10524 S m⁻¹). The material essentially delivers upgraded kinetics due to enhanced ion diffusion and electron transport. Excellent capacities of 1361 mA h g⁻¹ and 827 mA h g⁻¹ can be achieved at current densities of 0.1 A g⁻¹ and 3 A g⁻¹, respectively, demonstrating its outstanding lithium storage performance at both low and high rates. Moreover, the lithium-ion capacitor based on these nitrogen-enriched graphene frameworks displays a high energy density of 151 Wh kg⁻¹, and still retains 86 Wh kg⁻¹ even at an ultrahigh power output of 49 kW kg⁻¹. This study reveals an effective pathway to achieve synergistic kinetics in carbon electrode materials for achieving high-power lithium-ion capacitors.

Chen Li, Xiong Zhang, Kai Wang, Xianzhong Sun, Yanan Xu, Fangyuan Su, Cheng-Meng Chen, Fangyan Liu, Zhong-Shuai Wu, Yanwei Ma