Synthesis and applications of B, N co-doped carbons for zinc-based energy storage devices

Aqueous zinc-based energy storage devices(ZESDs) have garnered considerable interest because of their high specific capacity, abundant zinc reserves, excellent safety, and environmental friendliness. In recent years, various types of boron, nitrogen co-doped carbon(BNC) materials have been developed to improve electrochemical performance of ZESDs. To promote the advancement of these technologies, we herein give a comprehensive review of the progress in BNC materials for ZESDs. The different synthetic methods employed in the preparation of BNC materials, including direct carbonization, template method, chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal method, etc., are summarized. These methods play a vital role in tailoring the structure, composition, and properties of BNC materials to optimize their performance in energy storage applications. Furthermore, some key achievements of BNC materials in zinc-air batteries and zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors are elaborated. Lastly, future challenges and development directions of BNC materials in ZESDs are prospected. This comprehensive review could serve as a valuable resource in the energy storage field, providing insights into the potential of BNC materials in zinc-based energy storage technologies.