Recent Advances in Preparation and Supercapacitor Applications of Lignin-Derived Porous Carbon: A Review

Abstract

Lignin-derived porous carbon has been identified as a versatile electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs) in energy storage systems (ESSs) owing to their intrinsic advantages including good electrical conductivity, low cost, high thermal and chemical stability, and high porosity, which stem from high surface, appropriate pore distribution, tailored morphologies, heterostructures, and diverse derivates. In this review, to provide a fundamental understanding of the properties of lignin, we first summarize the origin, historical development, and basic physicochemical properties. Next, we describe essential strategies for the preparation of lignin-derived porous carbon electrode materials and then highlight the latest advances in the utilization of lignin-derived porous carbon materials as advanced electrode materials. Finally, we provide some of our own insights into the major challenges and prospective research directions of lignin-derived porous carbon materials for supercapacitors. We believe that this review will provide general guidance for the design of next-generation electrode materials for supercapacitors.