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In this study, an electrospinning method was used to produce highly conductive freestanding carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The freestanding CNFs are compatible with hierarchical growth techniques, such as hydrothermal processes, for the nanostructure engineering of supercapacitor electrodes with enhanced electrochemically active sites. Therefore, the flower-like FeMoO 4 @CNF nanosheets were investigated to improve the electrochemical performance using aqueous and neutral electrolytes (Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4). The optimized FeMoO 4 @CNF electrode exhibits areal capacitances of 252 and 220 mF·cm−2 at a high current density of 2.5 mA·cm−2 with Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4 electrolytes, respectively. The wide potential window (1.6 V) of the symmetric supercapacitor delivered maximum energy densities of 22.4 and 19.6 μWh·cm−2 at a power density of 2 mW·cm−2 for Na 2 SO 4 and K 2 SO 4 electrolytes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbon nanofibers are widely used as supercapacitor electrode materials due to their excellent physical adsorption/desorption operation and smooth transport of ions. The acid/base activation method is commonly used to generate micropores on the surface of carbon nanofibers, but controlling the activation level and minimizing the release of harmful chemicals pose challenges. This study proposed a method for producing activated multiporous carbon nanofibers that is easier to operate and more environmentally friendly. It utilizes the vacuum plasma process to enhance surface area and introduce functional groups onto the electrospun polymer nanofibers. Subsequent heat treatment results in the formation of activated multiporous carbon nanofibers. The type and density of the functional group introduced into the carbon structure were adjusted to the type of plasma gas (O2, NH3 and C4F8) being exposed. Among them, oxygen plasma-treated carbon nanofibers (O-MPCNFs) not only have a much larger active surface (517.84 m2 g−1) than other gases (290.62 m2 g−1 for NH3 and 159.29 m2 g−1 for C4F8), but also generate a lot of micropores, promoting rapid adsorption/desorption-inducted charges; therefore, they have excellent energy storage capacity. The O-MPCNF-based symmetrical two-electrode supercapacitor has a high specific capacitance (173.28 F g−1), rate capability and cycle stability (94.57% after 5000 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of core-triple-shelled GCNF/PANI/NCO nanostructures have been fabricated via a facile strategy. Taking full advantage of the free-standing architecture of graphene-coated electrospun carbon nanofibers (GCNF), high conductivity and flexibility of the polyaniline (PANI) layers, and abundant active sites of nickel carbonate hydroxide (Ni 2 (CO 3)(OH) 2) nanosheets, the optimal electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1565F g−1 at 1 A/g, which exceeds almost all of the reported nickel carbonate hydroxide-based electrodes in literatures. A hybrid supercapacitor delivers a high energy density of 35.4 Wh kg−1@750 W kg−1 and a long cycle lifespan. This strategy enables the controllable synthesis of core-triple-shelled hierarchical materials applicable to diverse electrochemical applications. [Display omitted] • We prepared the core-triple-shelled GCNF/PANI/NCO fiber-based films via a new route. • The optimal electrode exhibits high electrochemical properties via joint actions. • A hybrid supercapacitor displays large specific capacities and high energy density. • This strategy provides a new way to synthesize other core-triple-shelled materials. Designing novel efficient electrode materials with controlled hierarchical structure and composition for advanced supercapacitors remains a great challenge. Herein, a core-triple-shelled hierarchical GCNF/PANI/NCO nanostructure has been designed and fabricated by sequential growth of the conductive polyaniline (PANI) layers and nickel carbonate hydroxide (Ni 2 (CO 3)(OH) 2) nanosheets on the graphene-coated electrospun carbon nanofibers (GCNF) via a facile wet-chemical strategy. Taking full advantage of the free-standing architecture of graphene-coated electrospun carbon nanofibers, high conductivity and flexibility of the PANI layers, and abundant active sites of Ni 2 (CO 3)(OH) 2 nanosheets, the optimal GCNF/PANI/NCO (2 h) electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1565F g−1 at 1 A/g and enhanced rate capability, which are higher than those of the GCNF, GCNF/PANI, and GCNF/NCO (2 h) electrodes at the same situation, and also exceeds most of the reported nickel carbonate hydroxide-based electrodes in literature. The superior performance should be mainly ascribed to the collaborative contribution of each component. Moreover, a self-assembled GCNF/PANI/NCO//AC hybrid supercapacitor delivers a high energy density of 35.4 Wh kg−1@750 W kg−1 and a long cycle lifespan. This strategy enables the controllable synthesis of core-triple-shelled hierarchical materials applicable to advanced electrochemical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the electrochemical performance while maintaining excellent mechanical properties of carbon nanofiber-based flexible electrodes remains a significant challenge, which blocks their potential application in advanced energy storage and conversion. Herein, taking advantage of the thermal stability difference between polyacrylonitrile and polypyrrolidone, we report a simple strategy to fabricate N-doped porous carbon nanofiber membranes with inter-fiber cross-linked structures via eccentric coaxial electrospinning combined with carbonization processes. During carbonization processes, the obstacles of large contact resistance are removed and sufficient contacts among electrospun nanofibers are formed, endowing the carbon nanofiber membranes with outstanding electrical conductivity (25.4 S cm−1) and flexibility in various forms. Further, NiCo 2 O 4 nanoneedles are in-situ decorated onto the prepared carbon nanofiber membranes to construct hybrid electrodes for improving capacitance. The hybrid electrodes (NiCo 2 O 4 @NPCNFs) achieve a competitive specific capacitance (capacity) of 1474.2 F g−1 (245.4 mAh g−1) at the current density of 0.5 A g−1, as well as good rate performance (78.0% capacitance retention at a current density of 10 A g−1). In addition, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitors exhibit a high energy density of 53.0 Wh kg−1. This study paves a promising way toward carbon nanofiber-based electrodes for application in energy storage systems. [Display omitted] • According to the different thermal stabilities of the polymers, cross-linked electrospun carbon nanofibers are prepared. • Design eccentric core-shell nanofibers to facilitate the outflow of the melting core to form abundant crosslinking points. • The novel carbon nanofiber membranes render robust flexibility and high electrical conductivity. • The assembled flexible supercapacitor can supply power stably and continuously even under severe bending states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene-integrated N-doped cavity-interconnected porous carbon nanofibers flexible film with excellent energy storage performance was prepared by a non-pre-oxidation synthesis strategy combining electrospinning and metal–organic framework derivatization. [Display omitted] • The flexible carbon film is constructed by MXene-integrated N-doped cavity-interconnected porous carbon nanofibers. • The non-preoxidation synthesis strategy overcomes the MXene oxidation and active site loss caused by the flexible carbon film during the preparation process. • The flexible carbon film exhibits a high energy density of 26.2 Wh kg−1 at 500 W kg−1 and good capacitance retention (96.3 %) after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. • This study develops an effective general strategy for the preparation of embedded carbon nanofiber flexible film. Although the flexible carbon film integrated with MXene has been proven to be a new generation of supercapacitor material with good energy storage prospects, the MXene oxidation and the lack of active sites during the preparation of the carbon film can lead to irreversible capacity loss. Herein, a flexible carbon film constructed by MXene-integrated N-doped cavity-interconnected porous carbon nanofibers was prepared by a non-pre-oxidation synthesis strategy combining electrospinning and metal–organic framework derivatization. This flexible carbon film overcomes the oxidation problem of MXene during the stabilization of polyacrylonitrile, and the derived porous structure of cavity interconnection exposes more active sites. Due to its unique structural characteristics and ideal chemical composition, this independent flexible carbon film exhibits significantly enhanced electrochemical performance as an electrode material for supercapacitors. It exhibits an energy density of 26.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 500 W kg−1, and a capacitance retention rate of 96.3 % after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. This study provides a unique strategy for the preparation of high-performance flexible carbon films, and this technology can also be extended to other integrated CNF composites for the design of high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a lignin/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite nanofiber membrane is prepared by electrospinning and used as the precursor to prepare flexible carbon nanofibers (CNFs) through pre-oxidation and carbonization. The micromorphology, crystal structure, pore size distribution and specific surface area of the CNFs are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and specific surface adsorption analysis, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the CNF membrane are also investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy due to its potential application in binder-free electrode materials for supercapacitors. We successfully prepared flexible CNFs with an average diameter of about 539 nm and a specific surface area of 1053.78 m2/g when the mass ratio of lignin to PAN was 9:1 in a solution concentration of 28 wt%. The CNFs are loaded onto nickel foam to prepare the electrode materials for supercapacitors without a binder. When the current density is 0.5 A/g, the specific capacitance could be up to 201.27 F/g and the equivalent series resistance is only 0.57 Ω, which shows an excellent electrochemical performance. This study not only provides a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of lignin and the preparation of flexible lignin/PAN-based CNFs, but also provides a new type of environmentally friendly raw material for the electrodes of supercapacitors and could be helpful to alleviate the energy crisis and environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique cobalt polysulfide/carbon nanofibers (C, N -Co x S y /CNF) film derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework is first prepared by a facile strategy. The hierarchical structure material is compose of CoS, CoS 2 , Co 9 S 8 , N -doped carbon nanosheets, and carbon nanofibers. The C, N -Co x S y /CNF electrode displays high specific capacitance and good rate performance due to the synergistic effect of cobalt polysulfide and carbon nanofibers. An asymmetric supercapacitor based on C, N -Co x S y /CNF and AC electrodes is assembled and exhibits high energy density and power density. [Display omitted] Developing new electrode materials is one of the keys to improving the energy density of supercapacitors. In this article, a novel cobalt polysulfide/carbon nanofibers (C, N -Co x S y /CNF) film derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework is first prepared by a facile strategy. The composite material with two-dimensional leaf-shaped nanoarray neatly grown on the surface of carbon nanofibers is composed of CoS, CoS 2 , Co 9 S 8 , N -doped carbon nanosheets, and carbon nanofibers. It is found that the composite can not only increase the contact area with the electrolyte but also provide abundant redox-active sites and a Faraday capacitance for the entire electrode. The C, N -Co x S y /CNF composite exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, including a high capacity of up to 1080F g -1 at 1 A g -1 and a good rate capability (80.4 % from 1 A g -1 to 10 A g -1). A C, N -Co x S y /CNF//AC asymmetric supercapacitor device is assembled using C, N -Co x S y /CNF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, showing high energy density (37.29 Wh kg -1@813.6 W kg -1) and good cycle stability (90.5% of initial specific capacitance at 10 g−1 after 5000 cycles). This C, N -Co x S y /CNF composite material may also be used as a potential electrode for future lithium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using renewable biomass precursors to develop high-performance carbon electrodes is a promising approach for the advancement of supercapacitors. This work proposes a feasible strategy to prepare self-supporting flexible porous carbon nanofibers by electrospinning and carbonizing the mixture of cuttlefish ink, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The impacts of cuttlefish ink precursor on the structure, elemental composition, and capacitance properties of carbon nanofibers have been studied. Herein, the unique structural advantage of cuttlefish ink can significantly optimize the porous structure of carbon nanofibers. Due to the hierarchical porous structure, large specific surface area, hollow channels and high nitrogen content, the carbon nanofibers offer a high specific capacitance of 364.8 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 current density, alongside desirable rate performance and cycle life. Furthermore, the carbon nanofiber electrode performs good mechanical flexibility. The flexible solid-state supercapacitor based on this electrode exhibits 14.1 Wh kg−1 energy density at 0.4 kW kg−1 power density, and 97.8% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. The favorable capacitive properties make this carbon nanofiber material a potential candidate for supercapacitor electrodes. [Display omitted] • Electrospun porous carbon nanofibers (CPP–CNF) were prepared from cuttlefish ink. • CPP-CNF features hierarchical pores and hollow channels. • CPP-CNF is mechanically flexible with superior capacitive performance. • The flexible supercapacitor achieves high energy density and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composites of transition metal oxide and carbon nanofibers (CNF) are promising electrode materials for supercapacitors in alkali solutions. However, the weak binding and unsatisfactory rate performance limit their application. To improve the weak binding, this study prepared the SiO 2 -modified carbon nanofibers (Si 1 -C) via electrospinning. Then the fully encapsulated CoO-NiO (NiCo@Si 1 -C) was fabricated on Si 1 -C by solvent-thermal and calcination. As is revealed, CNF containing SiO 2 is conducive to forming a full coverage of CoO-NiO coating with a stacked petal structure. More importantly, nano-SiO 2 plays the anchoring role of NiO-CoO and CNF, making the combination more firmly. The NiCo@Si 1 -C delivers a specific capacitance of 518.1 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, almost 2.25 times that of NiCo@Si 0 -C (229.9 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1). When the current density increases to 50 A g−1, it is only 3.9 % lower than the capacitance (497.9 F g−1), which means a high rate performance. Moreover, asymmetric supercapacitor devices are assembled with activated carbon (NiCo@Si 1 -C//AC) with an energy density of 11.7 Wh kg−1, even at a high power density of 14,000.7 W kg−1. [Display omitted] • Nano-SiO 2 plays the anchoring role of NiO-CoO and CNF, making the combination more firmly. • The NiCo@Si 1 -C has a unique all-encapsulated CoO-NiO with a stacked petals structure. • The NiCo@Si 1 -C has ultra-high rate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) have been the hotpot material for supercapacitor due to their porous structure, outstanding conductivity, excellent electrochemical properties, and high specific surface area. The template method is a facile approach to prepare PCNFs through blending a thermally decomposable substance, subsequently heating treatment. High amylose starch (HAS) is a natural carbohydrate including carbon, hydrogen and oxygen elements. Herein, a simple template method utilizing HAS as the sacrificial polymer to prepare porous carbon nanofibers with high specific surface areas has been reported. The resulted carbon nanofibers have a hierarchical micro/meso porous structure with high level of microporous pores, more importantly, their specific surface area can reach 1204 m2 g−1. The electrochemical performances of PCNFs electrodes are studied using a three-electrode system and button-type devices. The specific capacitance of carbon nanofiber electrode is 344 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 when 20 wt% HAS is added. The cycling durability of corresponding device is 99.9% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles. And the maximum energy density of 12 Wh kg−1 is obtained at a lower power density of 125 W kg−1. As a green natural material, HAS may provide a low-cost solution to prepare high-performance carbon nanofibers for energy storage applications. [Display omitted] • An in-situ activation method is used to prepare hierarchical micro/meso porous carbon nanofibers. • High amylose starch can be as a sacrificial polymer to prepare carbon nanofiber with a high specific surface area. • Supercapacitor electrodes prepared from the carbon nanofibers show large specific capacitance and excellent durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N-doped porous carbon nanofibers are synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. • Carbon nanofibers are derived from their phenolic-resin-based analogues. • The mechanism underlying is proposed in the viewpoint of micelle evolvement. • N-doped carbon as electrode material offers superior electrochemical performance. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), possessing high electrical conductance and facilitating fast electron transfer due to 1D structure, attract more research interests in the field of energy storage/conversion. It is highly desirable to develop a simple synthetic approach to prepare high quality CNFs for high efficient electrode material. Herein, a facile method is developed to prepare nitrogen-doped porous CNFs with high aspect ratio by direct pyrolysis of phenolic-resin-based precursors which are synthesized via a simple hydrothermal approach. After activation by KOH, the nitrogen-doped porous CNFs demonstrate a high surface area up to 1814.1 m2/g thereby offering a high capacitance while working as the electrode material assembled in a supercapacitor. The activated CNFs as electrode material present a high specific capacitance of 333.5F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a three-electrode cell. After 10,000 cycles of charge–discharge tests at 5A g−1, the decay in specific capacitance is only 3.7 %, indicating a high reversibility. Also, the tests in a two electrode system show a high energy density of 8.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 25 W kg−1. Therefore, the nitrogen-doped CNFs derived from its phenolic-resin-based precursor hold a promise for an efficient electrode material in supercapacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) embedded with Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles in a hollow channel (PPMCo) are fabricated by coaxial electrospinning followed by thermal treatment. The degree to which the CNF surface is exposed to Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles was controlled by the cobalt(II) acetate concentration. The well-controlled structure of PPMCo with porous structure, heteroatoms, and amorphous Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles provided fast ion transport and large reaction surface area, resulting in effective ion migration to the active site and a high rate capacity of the electrode. Benefitting from the unique structure, the PPMCo supercapacitor electrodes displays a high specific capacitance of 188 Fg−1 at 1 mAcm−2, rate capability of 82% when the current density is increased from 1 to 20 mAcm−2, and cycling stability of 93% for 10,000 cycles. The good capacitive performance of the PPMCo electrode is attributed to the synergistic effect of the hierarchical porosity, electroactive material of Co 3 O 4 , high effective surface area, and polar effects by heteroatoms. [Display omitted] • Hierarchical porous CNF embedded with Co3O4 was prepared by coaxial electrospinning. • The degree of CNF exposed to Co3O4 was controlled by the Co(OAc)2 concentration. • The hollow core of the core part provides a fast electron transport channel. • Amorphous Co3O4 helps transport ions by reducing the charge transfer resistance. • The heteroatom functional groups on the carbon surface enhance the pseudocapacitance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving high specific surface area and ion accessibility in graphene-based electrodes with a high mass loading for supercapacitors poses a significant challenge because strong π-π stacking of graphene sheets often blocks the access of electrolyte ions to active sites. Herein, we report a novel protocol to prepare free-standing laminated graphene/carbon nanofiber films as high areal mass-loading electrodes through a layer-by-layer electrospinning technique. The unique laminated structure of graphene/carbon nanofiber thin films can enhance electrolyte penetration and increase transportations of ions/electrons. The symmetric supercapacitors (SCs) using the as-obtained graphene/carbon nanofiber films as electrodes reach areal specific capacitance of 1536 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. Most importantly, the areal energy density of the SCs can reach 0.22 mWh cm−2 at a power density of 1 mW cm−2 with a high areal mass loading of 24 mg cm−2. The exceptional electrochemical properties of the laminated graphene/carbon nanofiber films render them promising materials for electrodes in SCs. [Display omitted] • Laminated graphene/CNFs were prepared via layer-by-layer electrospinning. • The unique laminated structure enhances ions accessibility at high mass loading. • The assembled symmetric supercapacitor exhibits high areal specific capacitance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]