Abstract
Controlled cross-linking and continuous pyrolysis can alter the mesoporous structure of polymer-derived carbon (PDC). The PDC with ordered mesoporous structure was prepared under argon atmosphere via pyrolysis of cross-linked phenolic resins. When PDC employed as an adsorbent for the Zn2+ removal from water, it exhibited a record adsorption capacity of 43.06 mg g(-1) and partition coefficient of 5.385 mg g(-1) mu M-1 at 1.0 mg L-1 Zn2+ concentration. The reusability test indicated the effective use of PDC with an adsorption efficiency of 72.66% in the acidic phase. The PDC half-cell anode further displayed an impressive retention capacity of 606 mAh g(-1) at 1.0 A g(-1) with a Coulombic efficiency of > 99% over 500 cycles. The capacitive charge storage and diffusion control contribution of 64.16 and 35.84%, respectively, at 0.1 mV s(-1) was observed. The dominant charge storage kinetic analysis indicated that the defective site of carbon-ceramic and redox reaction within the PDCs matrix facilitated the short ionic diffusion and fast electron transference. The experimental and empirical results advocated that the pi-pi interaction with Zn2+ may jointly stimulate the adsorption process, and with metallic lithium improve the electrochemical process, thus providing new insights into the development of PDC for metals adsorption and electrochemical application.