Advanced Carbon Materials Research Articles

Design of biphenylene-derived tunable dirac materials

The exploration of carbon allotropes has unveiled a series of two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique electronic and mechanical properties, yet the need for stable structures with tailored electronic properties persists. In this study, we introduce a new class of 2D carbon allotropes derived from the biphenylene network (BPN), incorporating acetylenic linkages to tune their structural and electronic characteristics. Through density functional theory calculations, we identified ten novel BPN-derived structures that exhibit both energetic and dynamic stability, confirmed by cohesive energy and phonon spectrum analyses. Among them, BPN-02 and BPN-04 are metallic, featuring critically-tilted type-III Dirac cones under ∼5 % biaxial strain, while BPN-22 is a semiconductor with a band gap of 0.95 eV and exhibits highly anisotropic carrier mobility. Additionally, these structures demonstrate significant anisotropy in their elastic properties, further distinguishing them from other 2D carbon materials like graphene. Our findings suggest that these novel BPN-based structures have strong potential for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic applications, providing new avenues for the design and synthesis of advanced carbon materials.

In Situ Construction of Highly Dispersed Pd on Cobalt Nanoparticle on Hollow Functional Cubic Graphene by Double Framework for ORR.

Developing advanced functional carbon materials is essential for electrocatalysis, caused by their vast merits for boosting many key energy conversion reactions. Herein, the covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is utilized on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as the template, under the controllable metal atoms thermal migration process successfully in situ constructs Pd-Co alloy nanoparticles on hollow cubic graphene. The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) evaluation showed excellent performances with a half-wave potential of 0.866V, and a limited current density of 4.975mA cm-2, that superior to the commercial Pt/C and Co nanoparticles. The contrast experiments and X-ray absorption spectrum demonstrated the aggregated electrons at highly dispersed Pd atoms on Co nanoparticle that promoted the main activities. This work not only enlightens the novel carbon materials designing strategies but also suggests heterogeneous electrocatalysis.

Recent Progress on Stability of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Water electrolysis is regarded as one of the most viable technologies for the generation of green hydrogen. Nevertheless, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) constitutes a substantial obstacle to the large-scale deployment of this technology, due to the considerable overpotential resulting from the retardation kinetics associated with the OER. The development of low-cost, high-activity, and long-lasting OER catalysts has emerged as a pivotal research area. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have garnered significant attention due to their suitability for use with base metals, which are cost-effective and exhibit enhanced activity. However, the current performance of LDHs OER catalysts is still far from meeting the demands of industrial applications, particularly in terms of their long-term stability. In this review, we provide an overview of the causes for the deactivation of LDHs OER catalysts and present an analysis of the various mechanisms employed to improve the stability of these catalysts, including the synthesis of LDH ultrathin nanosheets, adjustment of components and doping, dissolution and redeposition, defect creation and corrosion, and utilization of advanced carbon materials.

Biomimetic mineralization coupling with seeds-induced foaming for optimizing carbon microstructure towards ultrafast sodium ion storage

Porous carbons show high surface area and capacity but suffer from uncontrollable structure, inferior initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and rate capability in Na+ storage. Herein, we propose a strategy of biomimetic mineralization coupling with seeds-induced foaming to optimize porous carbon sheets (CNMK) with excellent performance in ICE of 90 %, rate capability of 528 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and 139 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1, and capacity retention of 81 % over 5500 cycles at 20 A g−1 (half-cell); energy density of 223 Wh kg−1 (CNMK//Na3V2(PO4)3 full-cell). The reasons for such outstanding performance are as follows: (1) The “disorder-in-order” structure (rich defects/pores in graphitic network) favours Na+ storage and electrons transportation (same electrolyte). (2) The ether electrolyte shows superior Na+ storage kinetics than ester electrolyte (same anode). These results will provide an effective and practical strategy for developing advanced carbon materials and give new insights into the synergistic effect between carbon structure and ether electrolyte in Na+ storage.

Boosting Zn storage performance by regulating N/O functionalities of the durian peels derived sandwich-like porous carbon

Porous carbon materials derived from biomass are widely used as cathodes in Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSs) due to their inherent properties. However, understanding the link between biomass structure, composition, and electrochemical performance remains challenging. This study synthesized sandwich-like porous carbon materials (DrHPC) from durian peels. DrHPC features a unique sandwich-like structure characterized by abundant micropores, high specific surface area, elevated oxygen content, and minimal nitrogen content. These characteristics facilitate Zn2+ transport, provide active sites, enhance adsorption capacity, and improve kinetics. The aqueous Zn//DrHPC ZIHSs show significant specific capacity (232 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A/g), excellent rate capability (106 mA h g−1 at 10 A/g), high energy density (164 Wh kg−1 at 33 W kg−1), and long cycle life (96 % capacitance retention after 12,000 cycles at 10 A/g). Mechanistic studies reveal Zn2+ adsorption primarily on CO/NOx functional groups, enhancing pseudocapacitance. This research provides insights for designing advanced biomass-derived carbon materials for improved ZIHSs.

Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials for Advanced Metal-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors: A Step Towards More Sustainable Energy

Modern research has made the search for high-performance, sustainable, and efficient energy storage technologies a main focus, especially in light of the growing environmental and energy-demanding issues. This review paper focuses on the pivotal role of biomass-derived carbon (BDC) materials in the development of high-performance metal-ion hybrid supercapacitors (MIHSCs), specifically targeting sodium (Na)-, potassium (K)-, aluminium (Al)-, and zinc (Zn)-ion-based systems. Due to their widespread availability, renewable nature, and exceptional physicochemical properties, BDC materials are ideal for supercapacitor electrodes, which perfectly balance environmental sustainability and technological advancement. This paper delves into the synthesis, functionalization, and structural engineering of advanced biomass-based carbon materials, highlighting the strategies to enhance their electrochemical performance. It elaborates on the unique characteristics of these carbons, such as high specific surface area, tuneable porosity, and heteroatom doping, which are pivotal in achieving superior capacitance, energy density, and cycling stability in Na-, K-, Al-, and Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors. Furthermore, the compatibility of BDCs with metal-ion electrolytes and their role in facilitating ion transport and charge storage mechanisms are critically analysed. Novelty arises from a comprehensive comparison of these carbon materials across metal-ion systems, unveiling the synergistic effects of BDCs’ structural attributes on the performance of each supercapacitor type. This review also casts light on the current challenges, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and performance consistency, offering insightful perspectives for future research. This review underscores the transformative potential of BDC materials in MIHSCs and paves the way for next-generation energy storage technologies that are both high-performing and ecologically friendly. It calls for continued innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration to explore these sustainable materials, thereby contributing to advancing green energy technologies.

Co-ZIF reinforced kraft lignin biochar as an efficient catalyst for highly selective hydrodeoxygenation of lignin-derived chemicals

Large amount of lignin was produced annually as a byproduct in papermaking and pulping processes, the challenges in disposal methods had posed serious obstacles for advanced carbon materials and value-added chemicals. This study involved the preparation of kraft lignin (KL) loaded metal–organic framework (ZIF-67) material derived Co nanoparticles carbon using various methods to produce kraft lignin biochar-based carbon materials (Co@NPC-KLB). The novel and advanced carbon materials was utilized for lignin derived bio-oil hydrodeoxygenation to generate high value fuels and chemicals. It could achieve nearly 100 % vanillin (VAN) conversion and 88.49 % 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (MMP) without the extra hydrogen at 240 °C in ethanol. The results demonstrated that highly active and stable Co nanoparticles, large specific surface area, smaller nano Co nanoparticles, strong metal-support interaction and rich Lewis acid sites on the surface of biochar support exhibited a positive promoting effect on VAN hydrodeoxygenation to generate MMP. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) also confirmed that synergistic effect of Co nanoparticles and kraft lignin biochar promoted a high adsorption energy of VAN on the surface of kraft lignin biochar, enhanced the catalytic ability of the hydrodeoxygenation process. This study provided a novel approach for utilizing kraft lignin in preparation functional catalysts, opening up new opportunities for designing efficient biochar-based materials for advanced carbon materials and high-value chemicals.

Multidimensional and hierarchical design of biomass-derived carbon nanofiber networks for efficient microwave absorption

Carbon materials have gained significant attention for their potential as highly efficient microwave absorbers. However, it remains a challenge to attain a perfect integration of thin thickness, wide frequency bandwidth, lightweight and strong absorption through structural design of carbon materials. Herein, we design multidimensional and hierarchical carbon nanofiber networks consisting of core-shell carbon nanofibers wrapped by hollow carbon nanoparticles, named CPDA@RCNFs. CPDA@RCNFs which are derived from cellulose and polydopamine (PDA) were prepared by electrostatic spinning, deacetylation, self-polymerization, and carbonization, successively. Thanks to the cooperation of three-dimensional conductive networks, core-shell/hollow/porous structures, as well as doped nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms, CPDA@RCNFs exhibit excellent comprehensive microwave absorption performance. Specifically, an ultra-strong reflection loss value of −63.31 dB and a wide frequency bandwidth of 5.60 GHz (12.32–17.92 GHz) are achieved at a very thin thickness of 1.8 mm with an ultra-low filler loading of 5 wt%. This work provides a new insight into the structural design of advanced high-performance microwave absorption carbon materials.

Robust natural graphite-based bulk graphites with nanodiamond-containing fibrous nanofiller as reinforcement by electrohydrodynamic processing

One-dimensional (1D) structures, such as carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers, used as reinforcements in advanced carbon materials, have been greatly appreciated but facing with some significant challenges of dispersion and interfacial bonding. We utilized electrospinning technology to create a new 1D nanofiller. This material is a superfine fiber composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with a high nanodiamond (ND) content of 75 %, which is referred to as PDNF. During the preparation process, these nanofillers were blended with natural flake graphite (NFG) through electro-spraying. The as-prepared mixture served as the precursor powder sintered into NFG-based high-strength bulk graphite (HPG). During spark plasma sintering at 1800 °C, fibrous PDNF undergoes a phase transformation of diamond to graphite, with onion carbon pinning into and markedly reducing cleavage along the (002) plane of NFG, foundational to the high strength of NFG-based HPG. The PDNF's fiber-like structure and NFG's flake structure greatly increase the interfacial area between the matrix and reinforcement. Furthermore, the PDNF excels at blunting and deflecting cracks, thus bolstering the NFG-based HPG's overall resistance to crack propagation. The density, Young's modulus, and flexural strength of the as-prepared NFG-based HPG achieve 1.65 g/cm3, 17.4 GPa, and 145 MPa, respectively. Most importantly, this process can be a general approach for other high-performance composite materials.

Tuning thermal and graphitization behaviors of lignin via complexation with transition metal ions for the synthesis of multilayer graphene-based materials.

Thermal conversion of kraft lignin, an abundant renewable aromatic substrate, into advanced carbon materials including graphitic carbon and multilayer/turbostratic graphene has recently attracted great interest. Our innovative catalytic upgrading approach integrated with molecular cracking and welding (MCW) enables mass production of lignin-derived multilayer graphene-based materials. To understand the critical role of metal catalysts in the synthesis of multilayer graphene, this study was focused on investigating the effects of transition metals (i.e., molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)) on thermal and graphitization behaviors of lignin. During the preparation of metal-lignin (M-lignin) complexes, Fenton-like reactions were observed with the formation of Fe- and Cu-lignin complexes, while Ni ions strongly interacted with oxygen-containing surface functional groups of lignin and Mo oxyanions weakly interacted with lignin through ionic bonding. Different chelation mechanisms of transition metal ions with lignin influenced the stabilization, graphitization, and MCW steps involved in thermal upgrading. The M-lignin complex behaviors in each of the three steps were characterized. It was found that multilayer graphene-based materials with nanoplatelets can be obtained from the Fe-lignin complex via MCW operation at 1000 °C under methane (CH4). Raman spectra indicated that Fe- and Ni-lignin complexes experienced a higher degree of graphitization than Cu- and Mo-lignin complexes during thermal treatment.

Enabling Wasted A4 Papers as a Promising Carbon Source to Construct Partially Graphitic Hierarchical Porous Carbon for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-Ion Storage.

Considering the superiorities of abundance, easy collection, low cost, and nearly constant composition, the wasted A4 papers are deemed as a recyclable and scalable carbon source to fabricate functional carbon materials for Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSCs), which integrate the supercapacitors' high-power output and batteries' high energy density. Herein, the wasted A4 papers are efficiently converted into an advanced carbon material owning a hierarchical porous structure with a high surface area and interconnected multiscale channels, a graphitic structure, and a good level of N/O codoping. By taking advantage of these features, an express electron/ion transfer pathway, a large accessible surface interface, and a robust architecture are achieved for swift kinetics, numerous active sites, and excellent steadiness to afford a charming Zn2+ storage capability for the aqueous coin-type ZIHSC device (a high capacity of 244 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 with a capacity conservation of 116.4 mAh g-1 even amplifying the current density by 200 times, a supreme energy density of 190.4 Wh kg-1, a supreme power output of 18 kW kg-1, and an eminent durability of 93.8% over 10,000 cycles at 10 A g-1). Excitingly, the quasi-solid ZIHSC device also bespeaks an enjoyable capacity of 211.7 mAh g-1, a high energy density of 159.3 Wh kg-1, good mechanical flexibility, and a low self-discharge rate. This work puts forward a simple and scalable strategy to enable the wasted A4 paper as a competitive carbon source to construct advanced cathode material for Zn2+ storage.

KMnO4-activated spinach waste biochar: An efficient adsorbent for adsorption of heavy metal ions in aqueous solution

Developing advanced carbon materials by utilizing biomass waste has attracted much attention. Herein, a novel carbon adsorbent derived from Spinach waste was prepared by using pyrolysis procedure with KMnO4 as the activator. The preparation condition such as activator mass ratio (0–0.16) and activation temperature (200–800 °C) were comprehensively studied. The optimal sample (SBC-0.08–500) showed a 7.38-fold increase in specific surface area compared to the original biochar (SBC-500). Adsorption experiments revealed that SBC-0.08–500 had efficient removal capabilities for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions. The maximum adsorption capacities for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions at 298.15 K were 1.66, 2.88, 1.31, and 2.09 mmol∙g−1, respectively. Thermodynamic results indicated that the adsorption of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions on SBC-0.08–500 was a spontaneous endothermic process. Additionally, SBC-0.08–500 had a high affinity for Pb(II) ions, making it a potential selective adsorbent for the removal of mixed heavy metal ions. The mechanism underlying the adsorption process was attributed to multiple interactions, including ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, and surface complexation. The as-prepared biochar by oxidative activation pyrolysis effectively solves the issues of subsequent chemical recycling and secondary pollution, thus providing greater potential for large-scale use.

Sustainably transforming biomass into advanced carbon materials for solid-state supercapacitors: A review

Biomass-derived carbon materials (BDCMs) have been considered as promising and practical candidates for electrode materials of solid-state supercapacitors (SSCs), due to their low cost, good chemical and mechanical stabilities, excellent...

Fabrication modulation of lignin-derived carbon nanosphere supported Pd nanoparticle via lignin fractionation for improved catalytic performance in vanillin hydrodeoxygenation

Nano-lignin presents great potential in advanced carbon materials preparation since it integrates the advantages of nanomaterials as well the preferable properties of lignin (e.g. high carbon content and highly aromatic structure). Herein, lignin-derived carbon nanosphere supported Pd catalysts (Pd@LCNS) were prepared via a two-step carbonization of Pd2+ adsorbed lignin nanospheres (LNS) and applied in vanillin hydrodeoxygenation. The effect lignin heterogeneity on the synthesis of Pd@LCNS as well as its catalytic performance was further investigated through the synthesis of Pd@LCNS using three lignin fractions with different molecular weight. The results showed that the three Pd@LCNSs exhibited significant differences in the morphology of both carbon support and Pd nanoparticles. Pd@LCNS-3 prepared from high molecular weight lignin fraction (L-3) presented stable carbon nanosphere support with the smallest particle size (∼150 nm) and the highest Pd loading amount (3.78 %) with the smallest Pd NPs size (∼1.6 nm). Therefore, Pd@LCNS-3 displayed superior catalytic activity for vanillin hydrodeoxygenation (99.34 % of vanillin conversion and 99.47 % of 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol selectivity) at 90 °C without H2. Consequently, this work provides a sustainable strategy to prepare uniformly dispersed lignin-based carbon-supported Pd catalyst using high molecular weight lignin as the feedstock and further demonstrate its superior applicability in the selective transfer hydrogenation of vanillin.

A lignin–derived N-doped carbon-supported iron-based nanocomposite as high-efficiency oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst

Fuel cells are a promising renewable energy technology that depend heavily on noble metal Pt-based catalysts, particularly for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The discovery of new, efficient non-precious metal ORR catalysts is critical for the continued development of cost-effective, high-performance fuel cells. The synthesized carbon material showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for the ORR, with half-wave potential (E1/2) and limiting current density (JL) of 0.88 V and 5.10 mA·cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte, respectively. The material has a Tafel slope of (65 mV dec−1), which is close to commercial Pt/C catalysts (60 mV dec−1). Moreover, the prepared materials exhibited excellent performance when assembled as cathodes for zinc-air batteries. The power density reached 110.02 mW cm−2 and the theoretical specific capacity was 801.21 mAh g−1, which was higher than that of the Pt/C catalyst (751.19 mAh g−1). In this study, with the assistance of Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O, we introduce an innovative approach to synthesize advanced carbon materials, achieving precise control over the material's structure and properties. This research bridges a crucial gap in material science, with potential applications in renewable energy technologies, particularly in enhancing catalysts for fuel cells.

Modulating pore nanostructure coupled with N/O doping towards competitive coal tar pitch-based carbon cathode for aqueous Zn-ion storage

Cathode materials with limited active sites to accommodate Zn2+ ions substantially hamper the development of high-performance aqueous Zn-ion hybrid capacitors (ZHCs). Thus, the dedicated design of cathode materials is pivotal for preparing high power/energy density ZHCs. Here, a hierarchically porous coal tar pitch-derived carbon (NPC) cathode with abundant N/O doping (8.7 and 2.4 at.%) was prepared via a template strategy combined with chemical activation. The engineered hierarchically porous framework with optimal pore size distribution facilitates rapid Zn2+ ion transport, provides numerous active sites, and guarantees high adsorption-site accessibility. Moreover, the N/O doping further improves the transmission kinetics and adsorption capability of Zn2+ ions. Therefore, the aqueous ZHCs assembled with the NPC cathode show a high capacity of 158.2 mAh g−1 at 0.25 A g−1 and remarkable rate performance with a capacity of 73.5 mAh g−1 at 15 A g−1. Impressively, the NPC-based flexible device exhibits significant cycling durability with a capacity retention rate of up to 96.8 % over 10000 cycles at 10 A g−1 and a preeminent energy density of up to 112.1 Wh kg−1 at 203.0 W kg−1. This work provides new insights to design advanced coal tar pitch-based carbon materials for superior ZHCs.

Effects of the Ionic Liquid Structure on Porosity of Lignin-Derived Carbon Materials.

Converting lignin into advanced porous carbon materials, with desirable surface functionalities, can be challenging. While lignin-derived carbons produced by pyrolysis at >600 °C develop porosity, they also simultaneously lose nearly all their surface functional groups. By contrast, pyrolysis of lignin at lower temperatures (e.g., <400 °C) results in the formation of nonporous char that retains some surface functionalities. However, copyrolysis of lignin with some ionic liquids (ILs) at lower temperatures offers an opportunity to produce porous carbon materials with both large surface areas and an abundance of surface functional groups. This study investigates the effects of IL properties (solubility, thermal, and ionic size) on the specific surface areas of lignin-derived carbons produced by copyrolysis of lignin and ILs at 350-400 °C for 20 min. It was found that ILs that have bulky anions and small cation sizes can induce porosity in lignin-derived carbons with large surface areas. Among 16 ILs that were tested, [C2MIm][NTF2] demonstrated the best performance; the inclusion of it in the copyrolysis process resulted in lignin-derived carbons with ∼528 m2 g-1 and 0.48 cm3 g-1. Lignin-derived carbons produced using no IL, [C2MIm][NTF2], and [C4MIm][OTF] were further characterized for morphology, interfacial chemical, and elemental properties. The copyrolysis of lignin and [C2MIm][NTF2], and [C4MIm][OTF] resulted in doping of heteroatoms (N and S) on the porous carbon materials during pyrolysis reaction. The present findings contribute to a better understanding of the main property of ILs responsible for creating porosity in lignin carbon during pyrolysis.

Short-Range Graphitic Nanodomains in Hypocrystalline Carbon Nanotubes Realize Fast Potassium Ion Migration and Multidirection Stress Release.

Defect-rich carbon materials are considered as one of the most promising anodes for potassium-ion batteries due to their enormous adsorption sites of K+ , while the realization of both rate capability and cycling stability is still greatly limited by unstable electrochemical kinetics and inevitable structure degradation. Herein, an Fe3+ -induced hydrothermal-pyrolysis strategy is reported to construct well-tailored hybrid carbon nanotubes network architecture (PP-CNT), in which the short-range graphitic nanodomains are in-situ localized in the pea pod shape hypocrystalline carbon. The N,O codoped hypocrystalline carbon region contributes to abundant defect sites for potassium ion storage, ensuring high reversible capacity. Meanwhile, the short-range graphitic nanodomains with expanded interlayer spacing facilitate stable K+ migration and fast electron transfer. Furthermore, the finite element analysis confirms the volume expansion caused by K+ intercalation can be availably buffered due to the multidirection stress release effect of the unique porous pea pod shape, endowing carbon nanotubes with superior structural integrity. Consequently, the PP-CNT anode exhibits superior potassium-storage performance, including high reversible capacity, exceptional rate capability, and ultralong cycling stability. This work opens a new avenue for the fabrication of advanced carbon materials for achieving durable and fast potassium storage.

Sustainable production of dopamine hydrochloride from softwood lignin.

Dopamine is not only a widely used commodity pharmaceutical for treating neurological diseases but also a highly attractive base for advanced carbon materials. Lignin, the waste from the lignocellulosic biomass industry, is the richest source of renewable aromatics on earth. Efficient production of dopamine direct from lignin is a highly desirable target but extremely challenging. Here, we report an innovative strategy for the sustainable production of dopamine hydrochloride from softwood lignin with a mass yield of 6.4 wt.%. Significantly, the solid dopamine hydrochloride is obtained by a simple filtration process in purity of 98.0%, which avoids the tedious separation and purification steps. The approach begins with the acid-catalyzed depolymerization, followed by deprotection, hydrogen-borrowing amination, and hydrolysis of methoxy group, transforming lignin into dopamine hydrochloride. The technical economic analysis predicts that this process is an economically competitive production process. This study fulfills the unexplored potential of dopamine hydrochloride synthesis from lignin.

Carbon Electrode Materials for Advanced Potassium-Ion Storage.

Tremendous progress has been made in the field of electrochemical energy storage devices that rely on potassium-ions as charge carriers due to their abundant resources and excellent ion transport properties. Nevertheless, future practical developments not only count on advanced electrode materials with superior electrochemical performance, but also on competitive costs of electrodes for scalable production. In the past few decades, advanced carbon materials have attracted great interest due to their low cost, high selectivity, and structural suitability and have been widely investigated as functional materials for potassium-ion storage. This article provides an up-to-date overview of this rapidly developing field, focusing on recent advanced and mechanistic understanding of carbon-based electrode materials for potassium-ion batteries. In addition, we also discuss recent achievements of dual-ion batteries and conversion-type K-X (X=O2 , CO2 , S, Se, I2 ) batteries towards potential practical applications as high-voltage and high-power devices, and summarize carbon-based materials as the host for K-metal protection and possible directions for the development of potassium energy-related devices as well. Based on this, we bridge the gaps between various carbon-based functional materials structure and the related potassium-ion storage performance, especially provide guidance on carbon material design principles for next-generation potassium-ion storage devices.