Insights into multifarious heteroatom-doped/enriched carbon-based materials: Synthesis and supercapacitor applications − A crucial review

Abstract

Chemically doped carbon-based candidates have emerged as a significant driving force across multifarious research domains including oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), electrochemical sensing, energy storage and conversion, and solar cell technologies, etc., This comprehensive review takes a critical stance, shedding light on the exceptional supercapacitance performance found within heteroatom-doped/enriched carbon derivatives. This includes an array of candidates such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, boron carbonitride, g-C₃N₄, mesoporous carbon, ordered mesoporous carbon, and oxygen-enriched porous carbon. The review delves into diverse synthetic methodologies, encompassing chemical vapor deposition, thermal annealing, hydrothermal, microwave routes, and arc discharge techniques for each of these carbon-based materials. Furthermore, an in-depth exploration of the underlying electrochemical mechanisms governing supercapacitive performance is provided. Notably, the synthesis and energy storage proficiency of heteroatom-enriched materials like g-C₃N₄ and BCN are meticulously scrutinized. The influence of heteroatom doping on crucial characteristics like wettability, and porosity is deeply examined, boosted by compelling empirical substantiation. Adding intrigue, the merits, and drawbacks inherent to each synthetic approach are thoughtfully presented systematically. As a result, this article stands as a highly valuable resource, offering substantial support and insightful information tailored to young researchers. By furnishing a panoramic survey of diverse synthetic avenues and an in-depth analysis of supercapacitive performances across distinct classes of heteroatom-doped/enriched carbon materials, we aspire for this work to become an indispensable reference.