Abstract: A microporous carbon matrix material composition for use in supercapacitor electrodes may be produced by depositing carbon on a sacrificial zeolite template via one of several methods (e.g., hydrothermal or solvo-thermal deposition, sub-atmospheric vapor phase deposition, or high-pressure infiltration of hydrocarbon vapors). The deposition produces a carbon-coated zeolite intermediary. A surface layer of carbon formed on the carbon-coated zeolite intermediary may then be refined and the refined carbon-coated zeolite intermediary may be etched to produce a microporous carbon matrix having a substantially uniform structure and substantially aligned pores. In some embodiments, the carbon-coated zeolite intermediary may be annealed after deposition.

Abstract: A battery cathode electrode composition is provided comprising core-shell composites. Each of the composites may comprise a sulfur-based core and a multi-functional shell. The sulfur-based core is provided to electrochemically react with metal ions during battery operation to store the metal ions in the form of a corresponding metal-sulfide during discharging or charging of the battery and to release the metal ions from the corresponding metal-sulfide during charging or discharging of the battery. The multi-functional shell at least partially encases the sulfur-based core and is formed from a material that is (i) substantially permeable to the metal ions of the corresponding metal-sulfide and (ii) substantially impermeable to electrolyte solvent molecules and metal polysulfides.