Porous Carbons from Nonporous MOFs: Influence of Ligand Characteristics on Intrinsic Properties of End Carbon

Synthesis of porous carbons on direct carbonization of nonporous Zn-based MOFs has been achieved without using any additional carbon precursor. The effect of ligand nature on the resulting carbon porosity has been studied systematically using the MOFs synthesized from rigid and flexible ligands. The linear relations between Zn/C ratio of the MOF versus surface area of the resulting carbon, microporosity versus H2 uptake achieved in these carbons, and surface area versus specific capacitance of the end carbons have been verified from the gas adsorption, molecular composition, and electrochemical studies, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge cycling have been carried out to study the capacitive behavior of the carbons. The interdependence of capacitive behavior on the surface area has been analyzed using data derived from N2 adsorption isotherms and charge–discharge curves. Among the carbons synthesized, C-MOF-2 shows maximal surface area of 1378 m2/g with a specific capacitance of 170 F/g at 1 A/g.