Zeolite template-directed synthesis of two-dimensional mesoporous carbon nanosheets as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) mesoporous carbon materials demonstrate attractive potential in advanced energy storage applications due to their dual advantages of combing mesoporous carbon and 2D structure. However, achieving efficient and controllable synthesis of these materials while precisely regulating their pore architecture remains a significant challenge. Herein, a soft-hard template directed co-assembly strategy has been proposed for synthesis of two kinds of mesoporous carbon materials (DMC and AMC) using copolymer P123 as the soft template and MWW-type zeolite as the 2D hard template. The obtained two composites both show unique maze-like morphology, open 2D structure, and high nitrogen doping of above 14.0 at.%. Compared to the AMC electrode, the achieved DMC electrode demonstrates a better lithium-ion storage performance owing to its faster electron/ion transfer dynamics and stronger structural stability. As a result, it shows an outstanding cycling stability, delivering a high reversible capacity of 827.5 mAh·g⁻¹ at 2000 mA·g⁻¹ after 600 cycles. This work not only provides a new design concept for the synthesis of 2D materials, but also offers a good reference for the energy storage applications of mesoporous carbon electrode materials.