Carbon materials comprising enhanced electrochemical properties

Abstract

The present application is directed to carbon materials comprising an optimized pore structure. The carbon materials comprise enhanced electrochemical properties and find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, as electrode material in ultracapacitors. Methods for making the disclosed carbon materials are also disclosed.

1 - 75 . (canceled) 
     
     
         76 . A carbon material comprising a pore structure, the pore structure comprising micropores, mesopores and a total pore volume, wherein from 20% to 50% of the total pore volume resides in micropores, from 50% to 80% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores and less than 10% of the total pore volume resides in pores greater than 20 nm. 
     
     
         77 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein from 20% to 40% of the total pore volume resides in micropores and from 60% to 80% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores. 
     
     
         78 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein from 25% to 35% of the total pore volume resides in micropores and from 65% to 75% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores. 
     
     
         79 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein about 30% of the total pore volume resides in micropores and about 70% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores. 
     
     
         80 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein from 30% to 50% of the total pore volume resides in micropores and from 50% to 70% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores. 
     
     
         81 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein from 35% to 45% of the total pore volume resides in micropores and from 55% to 65% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores. 
     
     
         82 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein about 40% of the total pore volume resides in micropores and about 60% of the total pore volume resides in mesopores. 
     
     
         83 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein less than 5% of the total pore volume resides in pores greater than 20 nm. 
     
     
         84 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein the carbon material comprises a BET specific surface area of at least 300 m 2 /g. 
     
     
         85 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein the carbon material comprises a BET specific surface area of at least 500 m 2 /g. 
     
     
         86 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein the carbon material comprises a pore volume of at least 0.50 cc/g. 
     
     
         87 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein the carbon material comprises a pore volume of at least 0.60 cc/g. 
     
     
         88 . The carbon material of  claim 76 , wherein the carbon material comprises a pore volume of at least 0.70 cc/g. 
     
     
         89 . An electrode comprising the carbon material of  claim 76 . 
     
     
         90 . A device comprising the carbon material of  claim 76 . 
     
     
         91 . The device of  claim 90 , wherein the device is an EDLC, lithium/carbon battery, zinc/carbon, lithium air battery or lead acid battery. 
     
     
         92 . The device of  claim 90 , wherein the device is a lead/acid battery comprising:
 a) at least one positive electrode comprising a first active material in electrical contact with a first current collector;   b) at least one negative electrode comprising a second active material in electrical contact with a second current collector; and   c) an electrolyte;   wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode are separated by an inert porous separator, and wherein at least one of the first or second active materials comprises the carbon material.