Single Alkali Research Articles

Diffusion in Metallic Glasses and in Oxide Glasses - An Overview

We remind the reader to some common features of metallic and oxide glasses. We then introduce the radiotracer method for diffusion studies, which can be applied for both types of glasses. We provide an overview on diffusion in metallic glasses in which we consider both types of metallic glasses – conventional and bulk metallic glasses. In the last part we discuss diffusion and ionic conduction in oxide glasses. For ionic glasses, conductivity measurements are an important complement to tracer diffusion studies. We remind the reader to the method of impedance spectroscopy. We discuss results for soda-lime silicate glasses, single alkali borate glasses and mixed alkali borate glasses and present evidence for collective jump processes in glasses.

Improvement of High-Volume Fly Ash Cementitious Material Using Single Alkali Activation

This research aimed to present the improvement of the cementitious material in high-volume fly ash using only one alkali activator. Fly ash was used as a partial replacement for Portland cement type I, varying from 0 to 60% by weight of the binder. Concentrations of NaOH varying from 0.00 to 1.25 molar were used as alkali activator. Paste properties and mortar compressive strength at the ages of 3, 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days of water curing were investigated. The results reveal that fly ash paste with an alkali activator provides shorter initial setting time when compared to control paste without alkali activator. The use of 0.50 molar NaOH concentration in mortar containing fly ash not exceeding 50% by weight of binder provides the highest compressive strength at any age of curing. At that concentration, there is a significant increase in the 28-day compressive strength of up to 45% over that of the control mortar. In addition, higher NaOH concentration (not exceeding 1.00 molar) has a significant positive effect on the compressive strength of mortar with higher fly ash content, especially over longer curing periods.

Flexible Alkali-Halogen Bonding in Two Dimensional Alkali-Metal Organic Frameworks.

On-surface fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been continuously attracting attentions for years. However, the synthesis of 2D MOFs with large-amplitude flexibility was rarely carried out since the bonding configurations in the coordination nodes are typically highly directional. Here we demonstrate that single alkali ions, which are fully isotropic in ionic bonding, can act as pivot joints for constructing tunable 2D MOFs by bonding to dihalogen groups in organic molecules. We take 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexabromotriphenylene, a 3-fold polycyclic molecule with three ortho-dibromo groups, and sodium (Na) atoms as a model system and successfully construct Na-based MOFs on Au(111) surface. The deflection angle of the Na coordination nodes is variable in an unprecedentedly large range between ±36° that allows the construction of multiple 2D MOF architectures. Such a flexible alkali-halogen bonding may provide a unique toolbox for designing and constructing more tunable MOFs by choosing various alkali atoms and halogen moieties.

Comparative mechanical and microstructural properties of high calcium fly ash one-part geopolymers activated with Na2SiO3-anhydrous and NaAlO2

This paper investigates the effect of varying solid alkali activators on the fresh and hardened properties and microstructural changes of one-part geopolymers (OPGs). Single and binary solid alkali activators were used to activate high calcium fly ash. The alkali activators were either solely sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) or a combination of sodium aluminate (NaAlO2) and sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3). The OPG activated with anhydrous Na2SiO3 achieved an excellent 28-day compressive strength of 83.6 MPa while OPG activated with NaAlO2 and Na2SiO3 attained a compressive strength of 45.1 MPa. The Na2SiO3-activated OPG demonstrated better fluidity than the OPG activated with NaAlO2 and Na2SiO3 due to the thixotropic behaviour caused by the NaAlO2. The Na2SiO3-activated OPG consisted of sodium-calcium aluminium silicate hydrate ((N,C)-A-S-H) gel phase, while the OPG activated with NaAlO2 and Na2SiO3 comprised of the coexistence of sodium aluminium silicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) and calcium aluminium silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel phases. Regardless of the distinctive properties, the OPGs are adequate for building materials applications.

Improvements in Recovery Efficiencies of Phenols from Phenol Fraction Using Two-Stage Alkali Treatment

Experiments were carried out for the recovery of phenols from phenol fraction procured from tar distillation plant of Visakhapatnam steel plant by two stage alkali treatment, to study the effect of two-stage alkali treatment on the yield of phenols from phenol fraction. The results of the present investigation showed that two-stage alkali wash gives better yields of phenols compared to single stage alkali wash of the same phenol fraction with the same strength of alkali solution (NaOH). Also it is shown that maximum yield of phenols could be obtained with 35% strength of alkali. In the first stage 70% of 35% strength solution was used while in the second stage treatment 30% of the same strength solution was used. Improvements in the recovery efficiencies of phenols were found to be 47% more than those reported earlier in the single-stage extraction studies for the same strength of alkali solutions.

Site-selective characterisation of electron trapping centres in relation to chemistry, structural state and mineral phases present in single crystal alkali feldspars

Feldspars are ubiquitous natural dosimeters widely used in luminescence dating. Despite decades of research, the lattice defects as well as the mechanisms involved in luminescence production in feldspars remain poorly understood. The recently developed method of infrared photoluminescence (IRPL) excitation-emission spectroscopy has revealed the presence of two electron trapping centres emitting IRPL at 1.3 eV and 1.41 eV (IRPL1.3 and IRPL1.41 centres), and it enables detailed investigations into the ground and excited state energies of these centres. Here we make measurements of a range of single crystal alkali feldspars to understand the effects of feldspar chemical composition, crystal structure and framework disorder on the physical characteristics of IRPL1.3 and IRPL1.41 electron trapping centres. Measurements of our sample suite reveals IRPL and IR-radioluminescence (RL) emissions at 1.41 eV, 1.3 eV and, for the first time, at 1.2 eV. Our results show that whilst the IRPL1.3 trapping centre is unaffected by the M site cation occupancy, the presence of IRPL1.41 trapping centres seems to be linked to the presence of K+ ions on M sites. However, no clear trends in IRPL and IR-RL emission energies and signal intensities with chemical composition of the samples were found. Exploring the effect of framework disorder on IRPL1.3 and IRPL1.41 emissions revealed no significant changes to IRPL and IR-RL emission energies or ground state energies of the trapping centres, suggesting that the corresponding defects are not located on bridging O ions. Variations in ground state energies across the whole sample suite range from 2.04 eV to 2.20 eV for the IRPL1.3 centre and from 2.16 eV to 2.46 eV for the IRPL1.41 centre. Variations in trap depth seem to be driven by other factors than sample chemistry, degree of Al3+ disorder and number of phases present in a single crystal feldspar. Interestingly, the IR resonance peak is invariant between samples. Regarding the use of IRPL in luminescence dating, we show that optical resetting differs for the three different emissions, with the emission at ∼1.41 eV not being reset in some samples even after 18 h of solar bleaching.

Analysis of fluorescence characteristics of Sm3+-doped B2O3-rich glasses for Orange-light-emitting diodes

Optical absorption and visible luminescence aspects including visible emission decay times have been examined for six Sm3+ (1 mol%)-doped B2O3-rich glasses comprising single and mixed alkali oxides which were synthesized via melting-and-quenching approach. Upon intense λexci. = 409 nm, fluorescence spectra displayed four bands peaked at 562 nm, 598 nm, 645 nm, and 706 nm owing to 4G5/2 upper level to 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2, and 6H11/2 lower levels transitions respectively. Among identified emissions, orange fluorescence (598 nm) is found to be strong in all samples. Moreover Sm3+: Li ions having sample exhibits the dominant visible emissions band intensity in all samples, so for this sample, Judd–Ofelt (JO) analysis was carried out to calculate JO parameters Ωt (t = 2, 4, 6), and from them, radiative transition probabilities, branching ratios (calculated and experimental), and radiative lifetimes of Sm3+: 4G5/2 level to distinct lower energy states were derived utilizing absorption and emission spectra. CIE (Commission Internationale de l′éclairage) coordinates, correlated color temperature (CCT), color purity, color rendering index, and luminous efficiency of radiation were determined from visible luminescence spectra of all studied glasses, and obtained CIE coordinates and CCT values lie in the reddish-orange light region of CIE diagram, indicating their potential for orange LEDs (light-emitting diodes) application. Here derived CCT values are lower than the typical warm light sources CCT limit (<3200 K). 4G5/2 state luminescence decay patterns revealed double exponential behavior for assessing the measured lifetimes. Effective bandwidth, stimulated emission cross-section, and gain bandwidth were computed for observed luminescence transitions of Sm3+: Li ions possessing sample.

Pr3+-doped B2O3–Bi2O3–ZnO–NaF glasses comprising alkali/mixed alkali oxides for potential warm white light generation, blue laser, and E-+S-+C-optical bands amplification applications

For six 1 mol% Pr 3+ -doped B 2 O 3 –Bi 2 O 3 –ZnO–NaF glasses consisting of single and mixed alkali oxides, optical absorption and visible and near-infrared (NIR) luminescence traits including visible fluorescence decay times were investigated. Judd–Ofelt (J‒O) analysis from absorption spectra was performed to calculate J‒O parameters Ω λ ( λ = 2, 4, 6) by including and omitting 3 H 4 → 3 P 2 transition. Utilizing Ω 2 , Ω 4 , and Ω 6 values and refractive indices, radiative transition probabilities ( A R ), branching ratios ( β R ), and radiative lifetimes for all Pr 3+ ion's luminescent levels were estimated. For observed intense blue fluorescence band upon 443 nm optical pumping, various parameters considered in designing visible laser systems were evaluated. Pr 3+ : Na + K ions comprising glass possesses large spectroscopic quality factor, high A R and β R , large stimulated emission cross-section ( σ em ), high quantum efficiency, large gain bandwidth, and significant optical gain for 3 P 0 → 3 H 4 transition for a potential blue lasing action among all samples. Further, Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) coordinates, correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index, and luminous efficiency of radiation were derived from visible luminescence spectra and deduced CIE and CCT values represent the neutral or warm white light region. Upon 3 H 4 → 3 P 2 excitation, NIR luminescence spectra show 3 P 1 + 1 I 6 → 1 G 4 , 1 D 2 → 3 F 4 , and 1 D 2 → 1 G 4 transitions in which broadband ( 1 D 2 → 1 G 4 ) at 1.3–1.65 μm range with effective bandwidth ~157 nm was obtained for Pr 3+ : Na + K ions constituting glass with high A R (1938 s −1 ), moderate β R (26%), and large σ em (2.64 × 10 −20 cm 2 ) at 1.472 μm, and its gain profile covers the E-+S-+C-optical communication bands' range for effective broadband amplification operation.

Diverse zeolites derived from a circulating fluidized bed fly ash based geopolymer for the adsorption of lead ions from wastewater

The transformation of geopolymers into zeolite materials for use as bulk-type adsorbents is an outstanding strategy for water pollution control. However, only sodium ion (Na+)-type zeolites can be typically obtained from geopolymers, which limits their variety. In this study, Li-ABW zeolite (Li-ABW), K–F zeolite (K–F), and phillipsite, were obtained via the hydrothermal transformation of a circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFBFA)-based geopolymer using single alkali metal cations of either lithium (Li+) or potassium (K+), as well as coexisting Na+ and K+ as structure-directing agents. X-ray diffractometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy indicate that the amorphous CFBFA-based geopolymer was converted into well-defined Li-ABW zeolite, K–F zeolite, and phillipsite. The obtained zeolite products were subsequently employed as adsorbents to remove lead ions (Pb2+) from the aqueous solution, leading to adsorption capacities of 160.70, 239.50 and 252.70 mg/g for Li-ABW, K–F, and phillipsite, respectively. The kinetics of Pb2+ adsorption on the three zeolite samples fit the pseudo-second order model well, suggesting that Pb2+ adsorption on the zeolite samples occurs via chemical adsorption. The adsorption isotherms followed the Langmuir model, thereby confirming monolayer adsorption of Pb2+ on the as-synthesized zeolites. The combined results indicate that the zeolites derived from the CFBFA-based geopolymers are appropriate for Pb2+ removal from wastewater. This work provides new insights for the use of CFBFA industrial waste and the development of geopolymer-based adsorbents for the sustainable development of wastewater treatment methods.

Survey of optical and fluorescence traits of Tm3+-doped alkali/mixed alkali oxides constituting B2O3-BaO-ZnO-LiF glasses for 0.45 μm laser and 1.46 μm fiber amplifier

For six 1 mol% Tm3+-doped B2O3-BaO-ZnO-LiF glasses containing single and mixed alkali oxides (fabricated by melt-cast approach), optical absorption, and visible and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence features including visible luminescence decay times were explored. Optical band gaps, Urbach energy, and two-photon absorption coefficients were evaluated for all studied glasses. Judd–Ofelt (J–O) analysis from absorption spectra was performed to compute Tm3+: 4f–4f transitions J–O parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4, 6), and utilizing Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6 values radiative transition probabilities (AR), branching ratios (βR), and radiative lifetimes (τR) for all Tm3+ ion’s excited levels were assessed. For obtained intense blue emission band (454 nm) upon 358 nm excitation, various parameters considered in developing visible laser systems were calculated. Tm3+: Na ions having sample exhibits high AR, highest peak emission cross-section (σmaxem) (=5.89 × 10–21 cm2) and gain bandwidth(σmaxem × Δλeff) (=9.69 × 10–27 cm3) for 1D2→3F4 luminescence transition in all glasses for a favorable blue lasing process. All emission decay curves of the 1D2 upper level showed nonexponential nature. Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) coordinates, color purity, and luminous efficiency of radiation were derived from visible fluorescence spectra, and attained CIE (x,y) coordinates values reflect the purplish-blue light region. Under direct optical pumping of 3H6→3H4 transition using 808 nm laser diode, NIR fluorescence spectra exhibit a wideband within 1.3–1.6 μm spectral range peaked at 1.46 μm (3H4→3F4 transition). NIR emissions effective bandwidth (Δλeff) was varied relying on different alkali oxides. Δλeff ~ 121 nm was deduced for Tm3+: Li ions comprising glass with large σmaxem (=1.832 × 10–21 cm2), high(σmaxem × Δλeff) (=2.22 × 10–26 cm3), and optical gain (=12.608 × 10–25 cm2s) for 3H4→3F4 emission transition and its gain profile wraps the entire S-optical communication band range for efficient broadband amplification purpose in wavelength-division multiplexing systems.

Influence of bi-alkali metals doping over Al12N12 nanocage on stability and optoelectronic properties: A DFT investigation

Bi-alkali metal atoms (Li2, Na2, K2) doped Al12N12 nanocages with remarkable stability are achieved for the first-time using density functional theory. Bi-alkali doping is a highly efficient technique to bring high stability as compared to single alkali metal atom doping. It is revealed that bi-alkali metal atoms doping significantly reduced the wide HOMO-LUMO energy gap (3.93 eV) of pure Al12N12 nanocage to 0.74–1.67 eV. The reduction in HOMO-LUMO energy gap is due to the formation of new HOMO energy levels having diffused excess electrons which is further confirmed by the PDOS and TDOS plots. The bi-alkali metal atoms doped Al12N12 nanocages exhibit remarkable nonlinear optical response. The highest first hyperpolarizability of 1.2 × 105 au is observed for K2@Ntop. Clearly, the doping of high atomic number atoms brings larger hyperpolarizabilities, while the non-monotonic trend is observed for M2@b66 series where Na2@b66 has a large hyperpolarizability value. These fascinating results will be helpful for achieving the potential applications of inorganic Al12N12 nanocages in the optoelectronic devices and high performance nonlinear optical materials.

Effect of different type of dopants on the enhancement of KCl single crystal optical properties

As the most attractive phosphors, the enhancement of the optical properties of single crystalline alkali halides such as KCl using different types of dopants was approached. Pure and doped KCl single crystals were grown using Czochralski method. Different activators such as Ag, In, Mn, and Sn ions were employed to enhance the optical properties of grown KCl single crystals. The structure of the single crystalline samples was investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The optical properties of the samples were studied by employing UV–vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) analysis and ion beam-induced luminescence (IBIL), to confirm the incorporation of dopants into the host lattice. In the PL spectra of the samples, two UV and near UV emission lines and one red emission line were detected in the PL spectrum of the pure sample at 357 nm, 420 nm and 697 nm respectively that have not been reported before. Dopants led to the change in the intensity and position of the peaks. The peaks at 420 nm and 697 nm in the doped samples were shifted towards shorter wavelengths and a 500 nm emission was emerged due to impurities. The IBIL analysis proposed the violet color center for the Sn and Mn doped samples. These peaks turn the KCl single crystals into attractive phosphors.

DFT studies of single and multiple alkali metals doped C24 fullerene for electronics and nonlinear optical applications

The geometric, electronic and nonlinear properties of exohedral and endohedral single and multiple alkali metal (Li, Na and K) atom doped C24 fullerene are studied. First, the most stable orientations at the most stable spin state are evaluated. Complexes with odd metal atoms are stable at doublet spin state and complexes with even number of metal atoms are stable at singlet spin state. Thermodynamic analysis shows that Li4C24 among all complexes with highest thermodynamic stability has interaction energy of −190.78 kcal mol−1. The energy gaps (GH-L) are fairly reduced in single and multi-doped cages, and the lowest energy gap is observed for K4C24 complex. NBO analysis is performed to validate the charge transfer from alkali metal toward C24. The largest amount of charge (0.95 |e|) transfer is monitored in exohedral K2C24 complex where the highest charge transfer is for potassium (K) metal. Total density of states (TDOS) spectra of doped complexes justify the involvement of alkali metals and nanocage in new HOMO formation for the excess electrons. First hyperpolarizability is descriptor of NLO properties of single and multi-doped complexes are calculated. It is observed that doping of alkali metal atoms (Li, Na and K) greatly enhances the first hyperpolarizability. Among all the complexes of C24, Na3C24 shows the highest hyperpolarizability value of 2.74 × 105 au. The results of this study are a guideline for the computational designing of highly efficient and thermodynamically stable complexes for the optical and optoelectronic technologies.

Lithiated Graphene Quantum Dot and its Nonlinear Optical Properties Modulated by a Single Alkali Atom: A Theoretical Perspective

The functional modification in graphene leads to novel characteristics. We study a lithiated graphene quantum dot (LiG) and adsorption of a single alkali atom (M = Li, Na, and K) on its surface using the B3LYP-D3 method. The structures of M@LiG attain the lowest energy with M adsorbed on the terminal ring of LiG. The isomers of M@LiG are stable against dissociation into M and LiG. The frontier orbital energy gap of M@LiG is significantly reduced to 0.41-0.58 eV as compared to that of LiG (2.16 eV). There is a strong charge transfer of 0.91-0.96|e| from M to LiG in all M@LiG systems, which is slightly reduced in the lowest-energy Na@LiG structure. The CAM-B3LYP results suggest a significant increase in the dipole moment and mean polarizabilities of M@LiG due to the charge transfer and smaller energy gaps, respectively. The first static hyperpolarizability (β0) value of the lowest-energy M@LiG structures becomes as large as 11.5 × 105 a.u. for M = K. Our time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations suggest that the enormously high value of β0 results due to lower transition energy and higher transition dipole moment for the crucial electronic transition.

Multi‐Ions Electrolyte Enabled High Performance Voltage Tailorable Room‐Temperature Ca‐Metal Batteries

AbstractCalcium metal batteries, as one of the promising alternatives beyond Li‐metal technology, is held back by the lack of suitable cathodes of considerable energy storage capability, and Ca anodes of long‐term stability and lower polarization potentials for Ca‐plating/stripping. Here, by recycling cellulose waste paper, feasible cathodes for Ca‐metal batteries of good high‐voltage and wide‐window‐voltage adaptability (0.005–4.9 V versus Ca/Ca2+), and impressive energy density (≈517.5 Wh kg−1 at 0.1 A g−1) are developed. Meanwhile, through tailorable Ca‐plating/stripping potentials (∆V ≈ 0.65 V) realized by a modified electrolyte of Li+, Ca2+, , and multi‐ions system, the proof‐of‐concept Ca‐metal batteries not only delivered enhanced storage capability (101 mAh g−1 versus 51 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in the window voltage of 2.0–4.7 V) and cycling stability (≈77% capacity retention for 100 cycles), but also simultaneously show a high output average working voltage of ≈3.2 V. The work provides a hint that mixed metal deposition under multi‐ions electrolyte system may address the challenging issues faced by single alkali or alkaline‐earth metal batteries.

Effect of local environment on stretching parameter in the mixed alkali oxyfluoro vanadate glasses: electrical modulus and structural analysis

A structural and electrical modulus study on the mixed alkali glass samples having general formula (in mol%) 40V2O5 − 30BaF2 − (30 − x) LiF – xRbF, where x = 0 – 30, in steps of 5 mol% is presented in this communication. Various vibrational bands were identified in the infrared spectra spanning 400–1200 cm−1. On the basis of shift in these bands, it was inferred that the glass network undergoes a noticeable change after 50 mol% of rubidium content. The analysis of the electrical modulus data is carried out using Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) equation which describes the relaxation behavior of the mobile species. The variation of stretching parameter β with respect to alkali element concentration is analyzed on the basis of a combined effect of alkali ion distance and molar volume. It is found that the coupling between the mobile ions is better at 50 mol% of the alkali mixture when compared with single alkali concentrations. The contributions from fast and slow types of relaxation mechanisms were determined.

The Influence of Metal Microelements, Colloids and Organic Phase on Physical-chemical Properties and Processes in Peloids

The main emphasis in this study was on the modification of peloid characteristics through maturation processes, physical-chemical analysis of salty geothermal water and intact geomaterial, content of toxic heavy metals, radionuclides, and microorganisms in matured peloid, and physical-chemical processes that occur in a highly heterogeneous and microheterogeneous system solid-water. Main processes were considered to be mass transfer, colloidal processes, adsorption and surface compounding by macro- and micronutrients from salty mineral water with surface groups of intact geomaterial. This study indicated that inorganic and organic components of peloid could be in the form of colloids, suspended macro- and microparticles, ions and molecules. Colloidal silica had special importance in peloids. Due to low maximum solubility of silica, there were a number of processes in which coagulated and floculated particles were created during maturation, especially in the presence of metal cations (e.g., Fe3+ and Al3+) and colloidal metal hydroxides which noticeably reduced the solubility of silica. Single charged alkali metal cations caused coagulation of colloidal silica occupying bridging positions between negatively charged colloidal particles. Colloidal silica in peloid together with other micro- and macro phases, and with the help of numerous microelements, comes in interaction, building a complex surface and occluded compounds. In the multiphase system, very complex organic and inorganic compunds are formed, which are important for therapeutic purposes.

A newly developed self-compacting geopolymer concrete under ambient condition

The exponential development of infrastructure has created an urgent need for sustainable construction material with lower carbon emission. Recent studies have explored the suitability of geopolymer concrete as an alternative sustainable construction material, but the high curing temperature and need for chemical activators have inhibited the widespread application of the same. This study reports on the development of a novel self-compacting geopolymer concrete by use of single alkali activator under ambient curing as a new construction material. Eight different concrete mixes containing fly ash, slag and micro fly ash were examined for their workability, mechanical and microstructural properties. The newly developed self-compacting geopolymer concrete with zero cement, zero superplasticizers cured under ambient conditions achieved 40 MPa after 28 days of curing which is comparable to that of an M40 grade conventional concrete.

Optical magnetometer: Quantum resonances at pumping repetition rate of 1/n of the Larmor frequency

The response of a spin exchange relaxation free atomic magnetometer to a repetitive short-pulsed pump was investigated. Quantum sub-resonances at a repetition rate of 1/n of the Larmor frequency of the magnetic field inside the shield are experimentally observed and theoretically explained. This is a type of synchronization phenomenon. Investigations in single alkali atom cells and mixed alkali atoms of K and Rb are presented. In the latter, one species is pumped while the probe is on the other species polarized by spin exchange. The effect of spin destruction, spin exchange, and collisions is studied in order to account for the width of the resonances. Quantum calculations of a three-level Λ model for this phenomenon exhibit a dip at the resonance frequency in the absorption spectrum for both cases of pulsed and cw pump modes and an evidence for electromagnetically induced transparency.

Single Alkali Metal Ion-Activated Porous Carbon With Heteroatom Doping for Supercapacitor Electrode.

A single alkali metal ion activation method was used to prepare sulfur-doped microporous carbons. A series of alkali metal ions such as Li+, Na+, K+, and Cs+ was used in the polymerization process of 3-hydroxythiophenol and formaldehyde to obtain metal ion anchored in the sulfur-containing resin, which was further treated to obtain xerogel and carbonized to obtain microporous carbon with sulfur doping. In this case, the monodispersed alkali metal ions could realize highly effective activation with low activating agent dosage. Intensive material characterizations show that the alkali metal ions determine the pore structure and surface properties of as-prepared carbons. C-Cs prepared by Cs+ ion possesses a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of 1,037 m2 g−1 with interconnected microporosity and sulfur doping. The specific capacitance of C-Cs can reach up to 270.9 F g−1 in a two-cell electrode measurement system, whereas C-Cs-based supercapacitors can deliver an energy density of 7.6 Wh kg−1, which is much larger than that of other samples due to its surface functionalities and well-interconnected porosities.