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The rapid developments of the Internet of Things (IoT) and portable electronic devices have created a growing demand for flexible electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices. Nevertheless, these flexible devices suffer from poor flexibility, low energy density, and poor dynamic stability of power output during deformation, limiting their practical applications. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with high conductivity, good flexibility, and large‐scale preparation are regarded as promising electrodes for flexible EES devices. Based on the issues of current flexible EES devices, this review presents various strategies from the design of CNFs‐based electrodes to the fabrication of devices and overviews their applications in various flexible metal ion/air batteries (Li/Na/K‐ion batteries, Li‐S batteries, metal–air batteries, and other novel secondary batteries) and supercapacitors. Finally, the remaining challenges and perspectives on the CNFs‐based flexible EES devices are proposed to provide guidance for the researchers concentrating on high‐performance flexible EES devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of multiple electrode materials and their reasonable structural design are conducive to the preparation of composite electrodes with excellent performance. In this study, based on carbon nanofibers grown with Ni(OH)2 and NiO (CHO) prepared by electrospinning, hydrothermal growth, and low-temperature carbonization, five transition metal sulfides (MnS, CoS, FeS, CuS, and NiS) were hydrothermally grown on their surfaces, exhibiting that CHO/NiS had the optimal electrochemical properties. Subsequently, the effect of hydrothermal growth time on CHO/NiS revealed that the electrochemical performance of CHO/NiS-3h was optimal, with a specific capacitance of up to 1717 F g−1 (1 A g−1), due to its multistage core–shell structure. Moreover, the diffusion-controlled process of CHO/NiS-3h dominated its charge energy storage mechanism. Finally, the asymmetric supercapacitor assembled with CHO/NiS-3h as the positive electrode demonstrated an energy density of 27.76 Wh kg−1 at a maximum power density of 4000 W kg−1, and it still maintained a power density of 800 W kg−1 at a maximum energy density of 37.97 Wh kg−1, exhibiting the potential application of multistage core–shell composite materials in high-performance supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbon materials have demonstrated exceptional performance in various energy and environment-related applications. Recently, research on supercapacitors has been steadily increasing, and porous carbon materials have emerged as the most significant electrode material for supercapacitors. Nonetheless, the high cost and potential for environmental pollution associated with the preparation process of porous carbon materials remain significant issues. This paper presents an overview of common methods for preparing porous carbon materials, including the carbon-activation method, hard-templating method, soft-templating method, sacrificial-templating method, and self-templating method. Additionally, we also review several emerging methods for the preparation of porous carbon materials, such as copolymer pyrolysis, carbohydrate self-activation, and laser scribing. We then categorise porous carbons based on their pore sizes and the presence or absence of heteroatom doping. Finally, we provide an overview of recent applications of porous carbon materials as electrodes for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PPy@B-NCS/CNF composites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. [Display omitted] • Thedensity functional theory calculation shows that the doping of boron increases the conductivity and oxidation resistance of Ni-Co sulfide, reduces the adsorption energy of hydroxide ions, and thus significantly improves the electrochemical performance. • Electrospinning Carbon Nanofibers (CNF) as the framework and substrate of composites can effectively improve the specific surface area and conductivity of electrode materials, showing excellent electrochemical properties. Surface coating of polypyrrole further improves conductivity and electrochemical stability. • The PPy@B-NCS/CNF delivers high specific capacity, high rate performance and excellent cycle stability. The device has good cycle reversibility and stability after low temperature treatment back to 20 °C. Although nickel–cobalt bimetallic sulfides have been widely studied for supercapacitor electrodes, how to obtain high specific capacity and cycle stability is still an important challenge. Here, an efficient chemical redox method is used to adjust the crystal and electronic structure of cobalt–nickel sulfide (NCS) via B doping, combined with electrospinning technology and conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy) coating to facilitate faraday redox reactions and obtain high energy density electrode materials. The resulting composite with boron-doped nickel–cobalt sulfide on electrospinned carbon nanofibers with polypyrrole-coating (PPy@B-NCS/CNF) has a high specific capacity (751.61C/g at 1 A/g) and good cycle stability (82.49 % retention after 4000 cycles at 5 A/g). With PPy@B-NCS/CNF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is prepared. It has excellent electrochemical properties with a power density of 65.58 Wh kg−1 and an energy density of 819.72 W kg−1. The low-temperature performance test shows high reversibility, which provides the possibility for the development of low-temperature electrolytes. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) explains that B-doped NCS has better electrochemical properties from the energy band and state density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PPy@B-NCS/CNF composites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. [Display omitted] • Thedensity functional theory calculation shows that the doping of boron increases the conductivity and oxidation resistance of Ni-Co sulfide, reduces the adsorption energy of hydroxide ions, and thus significantly improves the electrochemical performance. • Electrospinning Carbon Nanofibers (CNF) as the framework and substrate of composites can effectively improve the specific surface area and conductivity of electrode materials, showing excellent electrochemical properties. Surface coating of polypyrrole further improves conductivity and electrochemical stability. • The PPy@B-NCS/CNF delivers high specific capacity, high rate performance and excellent cycle stability. The device has good cycle reversibility and stability after low temperature treatment back to 20 °C. Although nickel–cobalt bimetallic sulfides have been widely studied for supercapacitor electrodes, how to obtain high specific capacity and cycle stability is still an important challenge. Here, an efficient chemical redox method is used to adjust the crystal and electronic structure of cobalt–nickel sulfide (NCS) via B doping, combined with electrospinning technology and conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy) coating to facilitate faraday redox reactions and obtain high energy density electrode materials. The resulting composite with boron-doped nickel–cobalt sulfide on electrospinned carbon nanofibers with polypyrrole-coating (PPy@B-NCS/CNF) has a high specific capacity (751.61C/g at 1 A/g) and good cycle stability (82.49 % retention after 4000 cycles at 5 A/g). With PPy@B-NCS/CNF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is prepared. It has excellent electrochemical properties with a power density of 65.58 Wh kg−1 and an energy density of 819.72 W kg−1. The low-temperature performance test shows high reversibility, which provides the possibility for the development of low-temperature electrolytes. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) explains that B-doped NCS has better electrochemical properties from the energy band and state density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanofiber nonwovens (CFN) are powerful electrode materials with exceptional performance in energy storage devices, such as batteries and supercapacitors. Small fiber‐diameters together with hierarchical porosity endow CFN‐electrode materials with large surface areas and high electrical capacitance. Porosity of the fiber surface is often realized by corrosive activation methods such as wet‐etching or using oxidative gases at elevated temperatures. In this study, we present a chemical‐free, environmental‐friendly, and easily controllable surface activation method using an atmospheric pressure plasma‐jet. We investigate the best instant for activation along the process chain and show that the surface area of nanofiber nonwovens can be tailored by adjusting the plasma exposure‐dose. Plasma‐activated CFNs show an almost 20‐fold increase in capacitance (CspPJ = 10.1 F/g) in an electrochemical supercapacitor setup compared to nonactivated CFN (CspnoPJ = 0.55 F/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel cobalt phosphide/carbon nanofibers (NiCoP/C) with an average diameter of approximate 200 nm are prepared by electrospinning combined with calcinations. Carbon nanofibers with an average pore size of 10.77 nm as conductive skeletons support the dispersed NiCoP nanoparticles with the size ranging from 20 to 80 nm, providing abundant reactive sites and facilitating the electrochemical reactions. The specific capacitance of NiCoP/C reaches 478 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 in a 3 M KOH electrolyte, showing superior electrochemical properties compared to its counterparts. After 5000 charge/discharge cycles at 10 A g−1, 99.99 % of initial specific capacitance is retained. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor assembled using NiCoP/C as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode exhibits an energy density of 16.72 Wh kg−1 at a high-power density of 7250 W kg−1. Furthermore, the capacitance loss of the supercapacitor is only 0.04 % after 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1, which is mainly attributed to the enhanced stability of NiCoP nanoparticles owing to the assistance of carbon nanofibers as the skeleton. The synergistic effects of NiCoP nanoparticles and carbon nanofibers result in the boosted electrochemical performances. This study demonstrates the potential application of carbon nanofibers as conductive skeletons for nanostructured electrodes. • NiCoP/C nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning without the emission of PH 3. • Carbon nanofibers acted as skeletons and conductive channels for NiCoP. • Assembled NiCoP/C//AC supercapacitor achieved 16.72 Wh kg−1 at 7250 W kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring energy storage devices and hydrogen evolution reaction electrode materials with high efficiency electrocatalytic activity, high energy density and low cost has broad prospects, but there are still huge challenges. Compared with traditional energy storage devices, supercapacitors (SCs) are a new type of energy storage device with broad development prospects. However, their practical application is significantly limited by the energy density of electrode materials. The practical application of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is limited by the high cost and scarcity of Pt-based precious metal catalysts. It is essential to develop materials with stable structure, low cost and abundant reserves. Here, in this paper, CoS 2 and CoSe 2 composites embedded in carbon nanofibers (CNFs) (expressed as CoS 2 -CoSe 2 /CNFs) were synthesized by electrospinning combined with in-situ growth Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-67 strategy, carbonization and subsequent selenium sulfide process. When employed as the positive material in supercapacitors, a specific capacitance of 292.2 F g−1 is achieved at a current density of 1 A g−1. The specific capacitance of asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) assembled with CoS 2 -CoSe 2 /CNFs-5 as positive materials remains stable with no significant change observed in specific capacitance even after undergoing 10,000 cycles. At the same time, when a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is applied in a 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte solution, an overpotential reading of 189 mV is observed. The evidence mentioned above showcases the significant capacity of this substance for application in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. • The synergy of different components regulates the electronic structure. • The as-obtained materials exhibited a good energy storage and conversion performance. • The retention of the ZIF-67 skeleton structure can increases the number of active sites. [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]

• MnO 2 /CNF/Ag nanofabric electrodes are developed for flexible supercapacitors. • The brittle issue in the CNF electrode is greatly improved by an Ag incorporation. • The optimized MnO 2 /CNF/Ag electrode has a specific capacitance of 184 F/g at 1 A/g. • An energy density of 16.3 Wh/kg and a power density of 400 W/kg was achieved. • A capacitance retention rate of 87 % was demonstrated when subjected to bending. Flexible supercapacitors are gaining increasing popularity due to their potential in powering portable, wearable, and lightweight electronic devices. In this study, we have successfully developed a high-performance flexible electrode for quasi-solid-state supercapacitors by incorporating Ag into carbon nanofibers (CNF) through electrospinning, and growing MnO 2 as an active material on the electrode using an in-situ redox method. The Ag and MnO 2 co-decorated CNF electrode offers several advantages over conventional CNF electrodes, including an enlarged reaction area, higher charge storage capacity, and improved resistance to brittleness issues. Among all the quasi-solid-state supercapacitors tested, the MnO 2 -decorated electrode with an optimized Ag incorporation exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 184 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g, representing a remarkable 17-fold increase compared to the reference CNF electrode. Furthermore, the Ag and MnO 2 co-decorated electrode demonstrated an energy density of 16.3 Wh/kg and a power density of 400 W/kg at the same current density. Notably, the electrode exhibited excellent flexibility, with a capacitance retention rate of 87 % when subjected to bending with a curvature ranging from 5 to 1.25 cm. Our results suggest that the Ag and MnO 2 co-decorated CNF electrode holds great promise for flexible energy storage applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanofibers derived from lignocellulosic materials have become the most prevalent free-standing electrode material for supercapacitors due to their renewable and sustainable nature. This study used Arenga pinnata bunches (APB) as raw material for hemicellulose compounds to produce carbon electrodes through carbonization processes at 650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C, in the presence of flowing N2 gas. The variations in carbonization temperature resulted in carbon electrodes with surface morphology having a nanofiber structure with micro-meso pore distribution. According to the results, the carbonization temperature of 700 °C (APB-700) is the optimum temperature for producing electrode surface morphology with a combination of nanofiber, micro-and mesopore distributions, as well as specific surface area, specific capacitance, energy density, and power density of 1231.896 m2 g−1, 201.6 F g−1, 28.0 Wh kg−1, and 109.5 W kg−1, respectively, for the two electrode systems. This shows the combination of nanofibers and the distribution of micro-and mesopores produced with variations in carbonization temperature has the capacity to improve the performance of supercapacitor cells. Therefore, carbon nanofibers derived from Arenga pinnata bunches have the potential to be used as free-standing electrode materials for supercapacitors without employing doping, binder, electrospinning, and heteroatom template methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for high-performance supercapacitors stimulates the rapid development of separators and electrodes. PAN-derived nanofibers via electrospinning with one-dimensional morphology, tunable nanostructure, mechanical flexibility, self-functionalities and those that can be added onto them have witnessed the intensive development and extensive applications of supercapacitors. However, the conventional PAN-derived carbon nanofibers are generally featured with rather inferior electrical conductivity and lower specific surface area. Beyond that, PAN-derived carbon nanofibers normally exhibit unsatisfactory electrochemical performance in supercapacitors. So far, several strategies have been proposed, by some of which, conspicuous success has been achieved in addressing the above key issues. Here, a comprehensive review on recent advances of the use of PAN-derived carbon nanofibers as the electrode materials for supercapacitors are provided with a focus on strategies to improve their electrochemical performances, and the basic scientific principles involved in these preparation processes. Next, the recent application progress of PAN-derived nanofibers as the electrode separators for supercapacitors is introduced. Finally, we put forward a series of critical challenges in the above research area and propose some correlative ideas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The design of inexpensive, binder‐free electrodes with high energy densities from naturally occurring compounds poses an interesting challenge for the construction of high‐performance supercapacitors. In particular, the synthesis of highly conductive carbon electrodes starting from miscanthus‐derived (silver grass) lignin with inorganic active sites is of interest for hybrid supercapacitors. In this work, Ni‐Mn sulfide nanograin networks are embedded on lignin‐derived carbon nanofibers (LCNFs) by electrospinning, followed by either direct vapor‐phase sulfidation or peroxidation‐induced sulfidation in an inert atmosphere. After either of the two different sulfidation processes, the direct transformation of Ni‐Mn sulfide on carbon nanofibers results in highly mechanically flexible freestanding electrodes, with a good specific capacity of 652.3 C g−1 at 1 A g−1, excellent current rate properties (73.6% capacity retention at 20 times the initial current density), and a cycling stability of 91.3% after 5000 cycles, even at the high current density of 10 A g−1. These outstanding properties are attributed to the rational design of surface‐embedded Ni‐Mn sulfide nanograins on the 3D LCNFs and the fascinating synergetic and graphitic nature of the fibrous web, which increases conductivity, influences the interfacial contact, and promotes highly electrochemically active sites on the electrode surface. Furthermore, an aqueous hybrid supercapacitor assembly of LCNFs‐NiMnS//activated carbon (AC) is demonstrated, with a maximum energy density of 52.4 W h kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1, as well as 92.3% capacitance retention even after 10 000 cycles. This work not only establishes a high‐capacity anode but also provides an ideal strategy for designing flexible and conductive heterostructure network for various energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we proposed the synthesis of CoFe nanoparticles (NPs) which have been deposited on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with a facile electrospinning route followed by thermal reduction. The performance of obtained CNF supercapacitors are improved from 51 to 190 F/g (247 mF/cm2) at 0.5 A/g with the combination of CoFe NPs and graphitized carbon layers The device possessed an energy and power density of 6.6 Wh/kg and 125 W/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the capacitance retention can still maintain about 96.6% after 10,000 cycle test and it is worth noting that the cycling stability is ultrahigh. This research proves that bimetallic nanoparticles embedded in CNFs can elucidate new insights into the development new nanofiber electrode materials for the next generation of symmetric supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystyrene foam (PF), commonly used in packaging and insulation purposes, has emerged as a recycling predicament due to its low density and is often found littering the natural environment. Herein, we have reported the utilization of discarded PF as a sacrificial material to synthesize porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as a sustainable technique to produce cost-effective, high-performance supercapacitor electrodes while addressing PF disposal. It was found that the solubility difference between PF and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in N,N-dimethylformamide can be exploited to create micro-mesoporous multi-channel CNFs via electrospinning technique for enhanced ion adsorption leading to higher specific capacitance. CNF-40 (PF:PAN = 40:60) showed the best electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 271.6 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Further, CNF-40 exhibited 100% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles, and the high energy and power densities of 18.8 Wh kg−1 and 8000 W kg−1, respectively. Moreover, in an all-solid-state supercapacitor, it demonstrated a high areal capacitance of 0.32 F cm−2, indicating great potential for application in solid-state devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical yet densely packed porous carbon electrodes are vital for achieving high-performance capacitive energy storage. However, hierarchical porous carbons (HPCs) suffer from a trade-off in terms of meso- and macroporosity ratio related to the pore size dependent diffusive ion mobility versus the material density dominating the volumetric performance. Here we report an interesting insight into a balanced effect of meso- and macroporosity ratio and the material density with a practical high mass loading by designing HPCs with controlled meso- and macroporosity ratio. This is achieved via a hypercrosslinking strategy of polystyrene without the assistant of any templates or activation. It is found that ion transport rates increase along with increasing the meso- and macropore content to 26% and then gradually level off even further increasing the amount to 73%. An appropriate meso- and macropore content without sacrificing the ion diffusivity is beneficial for achieving effective material densities up to 0.76 g cm−3, leading to superior volumetric capacitances, as compared with those showing either lower or higher meso- and macropore content. This study clearly highlights the need for fine-tuning the pore ratios at different scales in hierarchical structures to achieve high-performance applications for practical applications. Image 1 Well-balanced pore hierarchy ratio is engineered in hierarchical porous carbons to achieve simultaneously high rate and large volumetric performances in supercapacitors. • Hierarchical porous carbons with controlled meso- and macroporosity content are prepared via a hypercrossliking strategy. • Ion transport rates increase along with increasing the meso- and macropore content to 26% and then gradually level off. • Well-balanced pore hierarchy and material density is clarified for achieving high rate and large volumetric performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thriving energy demand of the gradually increasing population and modernised life style requires development in energy storage devices for usage in commercial electronic devices. In this particular work, we have explored electrochemical performances of bimetallic oxide Ag 2 WO 4 nanorods and tuned its performance by decorating it on the nitrogen doped carbon nanofiber (N-CNF). The Ag 2 WO 4 nanorods are synthesised by a facile route of co-precipitation method followed by ultrasonication with N-CNF. The synthesised Ag 2 WO 4 nanorods was found electrochemically active and the incorporation of N-CNF end up boosting its electrochemical performances. The obtained nanocomposites were characterised by various advanced techniques. The amount of N-CNF was determined by characterisation via the potentiostatic and galvanostatic cycle measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrochemically active Ag 2 WO 4 with 20 wt% of N-CNF (Ag 2 WO 4 /N-CNF b) exhibited 2.2-fold higher charge storage capacity than pristine Ag 2 WO 4. The Ag 2 WO 4 /N-CNF b exhibited specific capacitance as high as 330 F g−1 at a constant applied current density of 1 A g−1 in 1 M KOH. The improved capacity may be due to conductive pathways provided by N-CNF. The Ag 2 WO 4 got well decorated over the N-CNF facilitating the active sites interaction with electrolyte. The symmetric device fabricated with Ag 2 WO 4 /N-CNF b electrodes exhibited excellent energy density of 10 W h kg−1 at 6000 W kg−1 at 5 A g−1. The Ag 2 WO 4 /N-CNF b electrode long-term stability has been minutely observed; the high Coulombic efficiency of 90% and high rate of capacity retention 98% even after 3000 cycles. Owing to these excellent electrochemical properties, the research work can potentially widen the opportunity to explore other profound bimetallic oxides and its nanocomposites with conductive carbon-based matrix for energy storage applications. [Display omitted] • Ag 2 WO 4 nanorods, easily synthesised by co-precipitation method is found to be electrochemically active in 1 M KOH. • Decorating Ag 2 WO 4 on N-doped CNF boost electrochemical charge storage owing to high active sites and improved conductivity. • The Ag 2 WO 4 @N-CNF nanocomposite electrode has been used further to develop electrochemical symmetric supercapacitors. • Such work open door for exploring other bimetal oxides and carbon composites and synergistic effect for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, core-shell supercapacitor electrodes with high performance were prepared using electrospinning, carbonation, nitrogen-doping and chemical polymerization. The core of the electrode was a N-doped porous carbon nanofiber skeleton, its shell was a conductive polymer loaded on it. The effects of pore-forming agent content, N-doped amount, and polymerization temperature on the morphologies, structures and electrochemical performance of products in each stage were characterized, and the optimum parameters were obtained. As a freestanding electrode, the SC of core-shell composite reached 342.13 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and its SC attenuation was only 4.6 % after 1000 cycles, indicating its good charge storage performance and cycle stability. Then a symmetric supercapacitor fabricated with the best electrode displayed an energy density of 3.10 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 50 W kg−1. Therefore, this paper proposed an effective method for developing multifunctional electrode materials of supercapacitors. [Display omitted] • A core-shell composite for high-performance supercapacitor electrode was prepared. • The core layer of the composite was the N-doped porous carbon nanofiber skeleton. • The shell layer of the composite was the polypyrrole loaded on the skeleton. • The core-shell composite electrode showed excellent electrochemical performances. • An asymmetric supercapacitor device was fabricated using the core-shell electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most of the porous carbon based electrode materials reported to date, the pores were open and directly exposed to electrolyte, and the materials suffered from a huge stress during long-term cycle at a large current density. These would inevitably cause an irreversible damage to the material structure, resulting in a dramatic capacity fade. In this work, the metal oxides composite nanofibers are first fabricated using an electrospinning technique, and then an oxidative polymerization of dopamine and a subsequent calcination are conducted to form a protecting shell. The inner carbon nanofibers have been obtained after removing the metal oxides nanoparticles. Owing to the robust dense carbon shell and inner porous carbon framework as well as intrinsic nitrogen doping, the prepared nanofibers electrode delivers high capacitances of 328 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 and 160 F g −1 even at an extremely high current density of 100 A g −1 in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution. The electrode maintains 77% of the initial capacity after 5000 cycles at 5 A g −1 . The assembled symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a high capacitance of 97.9 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 and still maintains at 60 F g −1 even at a high current density of 50 A g −1 . 73% of the initial capacitance is remained after 5000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g −1 . The experimental results reveal that the inner porous carbon nanofibers may be a promising electrode material for high-rate supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the current problem that MOFs (Metal-organic frameworks)-based carbon as electrode materials for supercapacitors have poor conductivity and single component. We design porous hybrid carbon nanofibers (C-ZIF-67 @PAN@ZIF-8) derived from 1D core-shell MOFs. They can combine the advantages of 1D carbon materials (high conductivity) with hybrid carbon materials (multiple components) showing excellent electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance can reach 320.8 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, which is higher than C-ZIF-8 (180.8 F g−1) and C-ZIF-8 @PAN (273.7 F g−1) in a three-electrode system. In addition, symmetrical supercapacitors are assembled with C-ZIF-67 @PAN@ZIF-8, which can provide very stable performance and almost no capacitance decay after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. The supercapacitors also can offer a high energy density of 8.0 wh kg−1 at a power density of 250 w kg−1. [Display omitted] • A new and highly efficient design of 1D porous hybrid carbon materials are demonstrated. • The 1D porous hybrid carbon materials can combine the advantages of 1D carbon materials with 0D hybrid carbon materials. • 1D porous hybrid carbon materials show excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-standing carbon nanofibrous membranes are prepared by carbonization and H 2 O 2 activation of electrospun polyimide nanofibrous membranes. The green and facile H 2 O 2 activation method not only regulates the pore structure of carbon nanofibers but also introduces rich oxygen species, rendering a hierarchically porous and heteroatom-doped carbon electrode for supercapacitors. The optimal electrode (PI800-8) shows a high specific capacitance of 339.9 F g−1 (0.5 A g−1, 6 M KOH electrolyte) and excellent cycle durability with a capacitance retention of 98.4 % after 50,000 cycles (5 A g−1). Particularly, a non-aqueous symmetric supercapacitor assembled with 1 M Et 4 NBF 4 electrolyte shows a high operating voltage of 2.8 V, and delivers the maximum energy/power density of 37.3 Wh kg−1 and 28.0 kW kg−1, respectively. The H 2 O 2 activation method provides a green, efficient, and versatile strategy to improve the pore properties and chemical compositions of porous carbon materials towards energy applications. [Display omitted] • The N/O-codoped carbon nanofibrous membranes were prepared by commercial electrospun polyimide nanofibrous membranes. • The green H 2 O 2 activation was proposed to ameliorate the pore and chemical properties of carbon nanofibrous membranes. • Excellent comprehensive performance was presented for both aqueous/non-aqueous symmetric supercapacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercapacitors are efficient energy storage devices with long lifetime and safe service. Their effectiveness, to a big extent, is dependent on electrode materials used for accumulation of energy in form of electrostatic charges. Over the last decades, variety of carbonaceous electrode materials has been used in supercapacitors. Mostly the production of such electrodes is still oriented on unsustainable fossil fuels as precursors instead of sustainable renewable resources. In this study, freestanding carbonaceous electrode materials for supercapacitors were derived from cellulose, the most abundant renewable resource. They were synthesized via carbonization of fibrillar cellulose impregnated with CNTs (carbon nanotubes). The ensuing composite materials consisted of a CNF (carbon nanofiber) scaffold (fiber diameter in the range of 50–250 nm) covered with layers of CNTs (tube diameter in the range of 1–20 nm). Moreover, these composites were tested as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Incorporation of the CNTs into the CNFs improved electrical conductivity and also increased the surface area of the produced composite materials, which led to high specific capacitance values (up to 241 F g −1 ), cyclic stability, and power density of these materials in electrochemical measurements. These results suggest that cellulose-derived original CNF/CNT composites are sustainable and efficient carbonaceous electrodes for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrite iron sulfide (FeS 2) is a fascinating electrode material for energy reserve devices because of its high theoretical capacity, non-polluting nature and abundant resources. However, the practical application has been extremely inhibited owing to its poor rate capacity and short cyclability caused by volume change during charge/discharge processes. In this article, a novel nanocomposite that is hollow FeS 2 nanospheres encapsulated in N/S co-doped carbon nanofibers (FeS 2 CNFs) was synthesized through electrostatic spinning. The FeS 2 CNFs nanocomposite demonstrates a terrific specific capacity of 511 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 for all-solid-state supercapacitors. The FeS 2 CNFs as electrode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIB) displays a specific capacity of 827.7 mAh g−1 and possesses a capacity of 490.6 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 after 200 cycles. The results indicate that this encapsulated structure can guarantee the integrity of electrode materials. And the abundant defects in carbon nanofibers caused by N/S co-doping may increase electrochemical reaction sites to facilitate charge transfer. The N/S co-doped FeS 2 CNFs nanocomposite exhibits a great potential for applying in SIB and supercapacitors. • Hollow FeS 2 nanospheres are encapsulated in carbon nanofibers by electrostatic spinning. • In-situ S-doping can increase the electrochemical active sites. • The incorporation of carbon nanofibers can prevent the structure collapse of FeS 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ni 3 S 2 nanoparticles have been successfully grown on the carbon nanofibers (CNFs) derived from bacterial cellulose via a hydrothermal method, which the as-prepared composite exhibited high specific capacitance (883 F g −1 at 2 A g −1 ), much more than CNFs (108 F g −1 at 2 A g −1 ), and good cycle stability. The asymmetric supercapacitor was designed to contain the CNFs coated Ni 3 S 2 nanoparticles (Ni 3 S 2 /CNFs) as positive electrode and CNFs as negative electrode in 2 M KOH electrolyte. Due to the synergistic effects of the two electrodes, asymmetric cell showed superior electrochemical performances. The optimized asymmetric supercapacitor gave a operating potential of 1.7 V in 2 M KOH aqueous solution, exhibiting a high specific capacitance of 56.6 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 and considerably high energy density of 25.8 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 425 W kg −1 . Meanwhile, Ni 3 S 2 /CNFs//CNFs asymmetric supercapacitor showed excellent cycling stability with 97% specific capacitance retained after 2500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new design route to fabricate nickel aluminum-layered double hydroxide (NiAl-LDH) nanosheets/hollow carbon nanofibers (CNFs) composite through an in situ growth method. The NiAl-LDH thin layers which grow on hollow carbon nanofibers have an average thickness of 13.6 nm. The galvanostatic charge–discharge test of the NiAl-LDH/CNFs composite yields an impressive specific capacitance of 1613 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 in 6 M KOH solution, the composite shows a remarkable specific capacitance of 1110 F g −1 even at a high current density of 10 A g −1 . Furthermore, the composite remains a specific capacitance of 1406 F g −1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g −1 , indicating the composite has excellent high-current capacitive behavior and good cycle stability in compared to pristine NiAl-LDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An asymmetric supercapacitor with high energy and power densities has been fabricated using MnO2/carbon nanofiber composites as positive electrode and activated carbon nanofibers as negative electrode in Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Both electrode materials are freestanding in nature without any conductive additives or binders and exhibit outstanding electrochemical performances. The as-assembled asymmetric supercapacitor with optimal mass ratio can be operated reversibly over a wide voltage range of 0–2.0V, and presents a maximum energy density of 30.6Whkg−1, which is much higher than those of symmetric supercapacitors. Moreover, the supercapacitor exhibits excellent rate capability (high power density of 20.8kWkg−1 at 8.7Whkg−1) and long-term cycling stability with only 6% loss of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. These attractive results make these freestanding materials promising for applications in aqueous electrolyte-based asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy and power densities delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, the in-situ formation of MnMoO 4 nanoparticles and simultaneous encapsulation within the porous carbon nanofiber (CNF) matrix through electrospinning-carbonization-thermal annealing processes were carried out. The results of various spectroscopic and morphological analyses confirmed the successful formation of rectangular-shaped MnMoO 4 nanorods within the CNF matrix. The MnMoO 4 @CNF hybrid yielded a maximum specific capacitance of 389.7 F/g at 0.1 A/g, which is 3-folds more than that of CNF (123.4 F/g). The MnMoO 4 @CNF symmetric cell with an aqueous KOH electrolyte possessed a maximum energy density of 54.12 Wh/kg at a power density of 10 W/kg. The excellent capacitive performances of as-prepared MnMoO 4 @CNF nanofibers could be ascribed to their high specific surface area (229.35 m2/g) with wide mesoporous distribution (3–13 nm) and enhanced reactivity of the nano-sized MnMoO 4 nanoparticles. The hybrid electrode demonstrated excellent cyclic stability with capacitance retention of 92.1% after 5000 cycles, suggesting restricted extrication of metal oxide from the CNF matrix during the charge-discharge process. A flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled by using MnMoO 4 @CNF hybrid mat as a positive electrode and activated carbon cloth as a negative electrode. The polymer gel electrolyte (PVA + KOH) was used as electrolyte-cum-separator. The as-prepared MnMoO 4 @CNF//AC cell yielded a highest energy density of 37.46 Wh/kg and an equivalent power density of 278 W/kg. The present investigation could open new horizons in developing next-generation flexible solid-state supercapacitors for wearable electronics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microporous carbon nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning from resole-type phenolic resin, followed by one-step activation. KOH was utilized to tune the fiber diameter and improve porous texture. By adjusting KOH content in the spinning solution, the fiber diameter could be controlled in the range of 252–666nm and the microporous volume and specific surface area could be greatly improved. The electrochemical measurements in 6M KOH aqueous solution showed that the microporous carbon nanofibers possessed high specific capacitance, considerable rate performance, and superior specific surface capacitance to conventional microporous carbons. The maximal specific capacitance of 256Fg−1 and high specific surface capacitance of 0.51Fm−2 were achieved at 0.2Ag−1. Furthermore, the specific capacitance could still remain 170Fg−1 at 20Ag−1 with the retention of 67%. Analysis showed that the high specific surface capacitance of the resultant carbons was mainly attributed to optimized pore size (0.7–1.2nm) and the excellent rate performance should be principally due to the reduced ion transportation distance derived from the nanometer-scaled fibers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning and thermal treatment of a new precursor, poly(acrylonitrile-co-vinylimidazole). Raman spectroscopy confirmed carbonization. Steam activation resulted in high surface area of 1120m2/g. Coin cells were assembled using ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (EMITFSI) as the electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry showed classic box-like behavior of electrochemical double layer capacitors with specific capacitances ranging between 122F/g (10mV/s) and 86F/g (300mV/s). From Ragone plots, the maximum energy and power densities were 47.4Wh/kg (0.5 A/g) and 7.2kW/kg (5 A/g), respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/carbon nanofiber electrodes are prepared by electrospinning. • The effects of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene sheets size on the performances were investigated. • The electrodes (SMX/C) exhibit high-rate performance (90 F/g at 300 mV/s). • The electrodes have outstanding flexibility (98% retention after 500 bending). Increasing the capacitance and rate performance of the carbon-based electrodes used in flexible supercapacitors remains a key challenge for commercial viability. To meet these requirements, free-standing Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/carbon nanofiber (CNF) electrodes were prepared by electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and carbonization for application as flexible supercapacitor electrodes. The effects of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene size on fiber formation and electrochemical performance were investigated. Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/CNF electrodes exhibited a specific capacitance of 90 F/g at a fast scan rate of 300 mV/s, which is almost 2.3 times higher than that of a pure PAN-derived CNF (38 F/g at 300 mV/s), while showing similar capacitance values of around 120 F/g at the slow scan rate of 2 mV/s. Due to the high degree of mechanical flexibility of CNFs, MXene/CNF based flexible supercapacitors also demonstrate long-term cycling stability (98% retention after 10 K charge-discharge cycles), and outstanding flexibility in dynamic bend tests. These results suggest that the MXene/CNFs have great potential for applications in flexible and versatile electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High intrinsic ionic conductivity and a theoretical capacity of MoS 2 is well appreciated and gathered great attention for an electrode asset for energy storage applications. The MoS 2 layers inter connected with one-dimensional carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are successfully prepared to give a conductive three-dimensional network for the robust charge transfer kinetics. The MoS 2 nanosheets adhered together to form micro flowers accomplished by a simple hydrothermal process. Further, the nanosheets are allowed to grow over the electrospun CNFs directly. The structural, functional, and morphological characterizations unanimously revealed the nanocomposite formation. Also, the surface area has been determined by BET analysis and subjected to electrochemical studies as an electrode for supercapacitors. The nanocomposite deposited on the graphite sheet (1 × 1 cm2) displays the high capacitance counterparts of 903.9 Fg-1 achieved by a lower current density of 1 Ag-1 and maintained 94% efficiency even 5000 cycles after a charge-discharge process. This process was examined with the potential range of 0.8 V (−0.4 to +0.4 V) in 1 M KCl electrolyte. These results confirms the prepared nanocomposite can be used as a proficient electrode for the creation of high capacitance supercapacitors with good cyclability. Image 1 • Direct growth of MoS 2 on carbon nanofibers attained by facile hydrothermal process. • FESEM and XRD results confirms the MoS 2 encapsulated CNFs with hexagonal phase. • CV were employed with different electrolytes to evaluate the influence of ion size. • The prepared MoS 2 /CNF exhibits the specific capacitance of 903.9 Fg-1 at a current density 1 Ag-1. • It maintains 94% efficiency even after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly porous carbon electrodes for supercapacitors with high energy storage performance were prepared by using a new precursor blend of aromatic polyimide (PI) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Supercapacitor electrodes were prepared through the electrospinning and thermal treatment of the precursor blends of aromatic PI and PVDF. Microstructures of the carbonized PI/PVDF nanofibers were studied using Raman spectroscopy. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements confirmed their high surface area and porosity, which is critical for supercapacitor performance. Energy storage performance was investigated and carbonized PI/PVDF showed a high specific capacitance of 283 F/g at 10 mV/s (37% higher than that of PI) and an energy density of 11.3 Wh/kg at 0.5 A/g (27% higher than that of PI) with high cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanofibers from electrospun polymer nanofibers have received considerable attention. However, most of the carbon nanofibers with a surface area above 1000 m2/g were reported to have a supercapacitor electrode capacitance far below 350 F g−1. Herein, we report a novel carbon nanofibrous material that has a supercapacitor electrode capacitance as high as 394 F g−1 (1.0 A g−1). We used a polymer blend of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and novolac (NOC) as materials, to electrospin them into precursor nanofibers and subsequently carbonize the nanofibers into carbon nanofibers. The carbon nanofibers prepared had a specific surface area as high as 1468 m2 g−1 with a meso-micro pores (average pore size 2.2 nm) predominated porous structure. The carbon nanofiber electrodes after 10,000 cycles of charging and discharging at 1.0 A g−1 maintained the capacitance almost unchanged. At the optimal condition, the supercapacitor device made of the electrodes had an energy density as high as 13.6 Wh∙kg−1 (at 0.5 kW kg−1). The high capacitance value comes from the carbon nanofibers with a large surface area and a unique porous structure. The high inter-fiber interconnection contributes to high capacitance. This super-high surface area carbon may be useful for the development of high-performance supercapacitors and other energy devices. Image 1 • Carbon nanofibers are prepared from electrospun polyacrylonitrile/novolac. • They contain micro-mese pores with a surface area as high as 1468 m2 g−1. • Electrodes made from the carbon nanofibers show a capacitance of 394 F g−1. • High capacitance originates from the unique structure and large surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how the several major industries, associated with a carbon artifact production, essentially belong to one, closely knit family. The common parents are the geological fossils called petroleum and coal. The study also reviews the major developments in carbon nanotechnology and electrocatalysis over the last 30 years or so. In this context, the development of various carbon materials with size, dopants, shape, and structure designed to achieve high catalytic electroactivity is reported, and among them recent carbon electrodes with many important features are presented together with their relevant applications in chemical technology, neurochemical monitoring, electrode kinetics, direct carbon fuel cells, lithium ion batteries, electrochemical capacitors, and supercapattery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with high energy storage performance were fabricated with a single precursor polymer, 6FDA-TFMB, without the use of any pore-generating materials. 6FDA-TFMB was synthesized, electrospun, and thermally treated to produce binder-free CNF electrodes for electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). Highly porous CNFs with a surface area of 2213 m2 g−1 were prepared by steam-activation. CNFs derived from 6FDA-TFMB showed rectangular cyclic voltammograms with a specific capacitance of 292.3 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1. It was also seen that CNFs exhibit a maximum energy density of 13.1 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and power density of 1.7 kW kg−1 at 5 A g−1, which is significantly higher than those from the common precursor polymer, polyacrylonitrile (PAN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailoring the chemical structures of a precursor polymer for carbon nanofibers (CNFs) produced by thermal treatment of electrospun nanofibers was studied to prepare the electrodes for electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). To improve energy storage performance of CNF electrodes, 6FDA-durene nanofibers were crosslinked by a vapor crosslinking method, and subsequently carbonized. Chemical modification via crosslinking was confirmed by FTIR spectra while the conversion of crosslinked 6FDA-durene into carbon was done by Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical performance of these CNF electrodes was evaluated by assembling coin cells, and the CNFs derived from crosslinked 6FDA-durene nanofibers showed higher specific capacitances, energy densities and cycling stability than those from non-crosslinked ones. It was also shown that CNFs prepared using 1 min crosslinking exhibit the highest energy storage performances, a specific capacitance of 301 F g−1 (at 10 mV s−1), and the maximum energy density of 11.1 Wh kg−1 (at 0.5 A g−1) and power density of 1.8 kW kg−1 (at 6 A g−1). Surface area and porosity of CNFs, which is critical for the performance of EDLC electrodes, were studied by nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, and it was clearly seen that surface crosslinking of precursor polymers improved surface properties of the resultant CNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical capacitors (ECs) can provide ultra-long cycle life and ultra-fast energy delivery, characteristics which most battery technologies lack. Making composites out of carbon and pseudocapacitive materials is a popular strategy directed on narrowing the gap in energy density with regard to batteries. Usually, the incorporation of pseudocapacitive materials leads to a decrease in power performance compared to a pure carbon matrix, due to inferior electrical conductivity. This work, however, presents significant improvement in rate capability demonstrated by a composite electrode containing carbon nanofibers (NCNF) and manganese oxides (MnO 2). The NCNF/MnO 2 is prepared with a common method through the reaction with permanganate. The material has excellent performance metrics, especially a 78.2% rate capability (capacitance retention at 15 A g−1 relative to 0.5 A g−1), more than 10 times that for the NCNF carbon matrix. The exceptional enhancement can be explained by the development of micropores and surface area of NCNF, thus alleviating the "pore starvation" issue, and surface functional groups variation that enhances capacitive performance. This work highlights the importance of paying attention to the modification of carbon substrate when investigating carbon composite electrodes e.g. carbon/MnO 2 networks. • N-doped carbon nanofiber (NCNF) electrodes were derived from cellulose. • Compositing NCNF with MnO 2 led to surprising enhancement in rate capability. • 88.8 F g−1 capacitance was obtained at 15 A g−1 for the composite electrode. • Porosity and surface chemistry of NCNF were improved during compositing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]