Hierarchically ordered carbon tube-sheet superstructure via template-directed self-assembly of polyimide.

Graphical abstract Hierarchically ordered carbon tube-sheet superstructure (CTSS) is synthesized via combing template-directed self-assembly of polyimide and the following carbonization. Possessing highly ordered superstructures with rich nitrogen dopant and hierarchical porosity, CTSS manifests remarkable performance as both lithium ion battery anode and the carbon support for water splitting catalysts. Highlights • CTSS is obtained by the template-directed self-assembly of PI and carbonization. • CTSS contains vertically oriented carbon sheet arrays with hollow interiors. • CTSS based LIB anode manifests high capacity and good cycling stability. • Water splitting catalysts with CTSS supports have superb activity and stability. • A CTSS-derived self-powered water splitting device is fabricated in this work. Abstract In this work, we report a template-directed self-assembly strategy towards the gram-level synthesis of hierarchically ordered carbon tube-sheet superstructure (CTSS) by using MoO 3 nanorod as the template and polyimide (PI) as the carbon source. Even in large quantities, MoO 3 nanorods can guide the assembly of PI in solution into vertically oriented nanosheet arrays with periodic patterns, which can be converted to nitrogen-doped porous CTSS after the removal of template and thermal carbonization. Possessing hierarchically ordered architecture, rich porosity and high nitrogen content, CTSS is an appealing material for energy storage and conversion devices such as high-performance lithium ion battery anode and water splitting catalyst support. More importantly, the results in this work highlight an avenue for the controllable synthesis of hierarchically ordered carbon superstructures with diversified functions and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]