Sucrose-templated interconnected meso/macro-porous 2D symmetric graphitic carbon networks as supports for α-Fe(2)O(3) towards improved supercapacitive behavior

In this study, ultrahigh electrochemical performance for interconnected meso/macro-porous 2D C@α-Fe(2)O(3) synthesized via sucrose-assisted microwave combustion is demonstrated. Hematite (α-Fe(2)O(3)) synthesized via the same approach gave an encouraging electrochemical performance close to its theoretical value, justifying its consideration as a potential supercapacitor electrode material; nonetheless, its specific capacitance was still low. The pore size distribution as well as the specific surface of bare α-Fe(2)O(3) improved from 145 m(2) g(−1) to 297.3 m(2) g(−1) after it was coated with sucrose, which was endowed with ordered symmetric single-layer graphene (2D graphene). Accordingly, the optimized hematite material (2D C@α-Fe(2)O(3)) showed a specific capacitance of 1876.7 F g(−1) at a current density of 1 A g(−1) and capacity retention of 95.9% after 4000 cycles. Moreover, the material exhibited an ultrahigh energy density of 93.8 W h kg(−1) at a power density of 150 W kg(−1). The synergistic effect created by carbon-coating α-Fe(2)O(3) resulted in modest electrochemical performance owing to extremely low charge transfer resistance at the electrode–electrolyte interface with many active sites for ionic reactions and efficient diffusion process. This 2D C@α-Fe(2)O(3) electrode material has the capacity to develop into a cost-effective and stable electrode for future high-energy-capacity supercapacitors.