Template-Free N-doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon from Azobenzene-Interconnected Polyimide for Ultra-Stable Supercapacitor Electrodes

In this study, a new NHPC has been created by first using the one-pot synthesis of in-situ dual-crosslinking azobenzene-interconnected polyimide precursors from ingeniously designed three monomers, followed by carbonization activation.

We have found that during the polymer precursor synthesis stage, the incorporation of azobenzene into the polyimide network is the key, as it not only functions as an in-situ N-rich source but also enables the template-free formation of a multi-scale micro/nanoporous carbon structure, which is critical for enhancing electrical performance and stability. The resulting N-doped carbon material with a specific surface area of 900.1 m2 g −1 exhibits a maximum capacitance of 179.2 F g−1 in a three-electrode configuration.