Carbonization Temperature Control ZIF-67-Derived Porous Carbon as Conductive Additive for Improved Electron and Ion Transport in Electric Double-Layer Capacitors
To satisfy the ever-increasing demand for high-energy density and cycle stability in electric double-layer capacitors, research on conductive additives for electric double-layer capacitors has been conducted, mainly by focusing on shape or network formation using a 1D/2D structure or composite strategy. The conductive additive for electric double-layer capacitors needs to have a structure that not only improves electrical conductivity, but also forms an electron transfer path between the active materials and maintains accessibility to electrolyte ions. This study proposes a novel strategy to improve electron transfer and ion migration by simultaneously controlling the conductivity, surface chemistry, and hierarchical pore structure of ZIF-67-derived porous carbon. The graphitic carbon framework structure and micro/meso/macro pore structure of the ZIF-67-derived porous carbon can be simultaneously optimized by controlling carbonization temperature. The resulting graphitic carbon framework formed an excellent electron transfer network, and the optimized pore structure contributed to improved accessibility and diffusion path for electrolyte ions. As a conductive additive in an electrode, the optimal structure 600-PC was able to maintain an ion transfer path while forming a continuous electron transfer network. 600-PC exhibited superior electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 121.4 F/g, energy density of 16.86 Wh/kg (400 W/kg), and 15.27 Wh/kg (4,000 W/kg) as a conductive additive in an electric double-layer capacitor.