Nitrogen‐Doped Borane Cluster Network for High‐Performance Supercapacitors Under Universal pH Conditions

TL;DR

A new nitrogen-doped borane material is developed for supercapacitors, showing high performance and stability across different pH conditions.

Contribution

A nitrogen-doped borane cluster network is introduced as a novel electrode material for supercapacitors.

Findings

The material achieved a specific capacitance of 607 F g−1 in a three-electrode system.

It retained 95% of its capacitance after 15,000 cycles in a three-electrode setup.

The asymmetric device delivered 354 F g−1 and 25.6 Wh kg−1 energy density.

Abstract

Supercapacitors have garnered considerable attention as next‐generation energy storage systems due to their high‐power density, rapid charge–discharge kinetics, and long operational lifespan. In this study, we report the design and development of a nitrogen‐doped activated borane (ActB), a porous borane cluster‐based network, synthesized through the controlled cothermolysis of arachno‐B9H13(NEt3) and [Et3NH][nido‐B11H14] in toluene. The resulting polymeric materials integrate electron‐rich nitrogen sites with the unique 3D boron cluster architecture, offering a synergistic platform for enhanced electrochemical performance. Electrochemical evaluation in a three‐electrode system revealed a high specific capacitance of 607 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, with remarkable cycling stability, retaining 95% of the initial capacitance after 15,000 charge–discharge cycles. When configured into an asymmetric supercapacitor device using activated carbon as the negative electrode, the system achieved a specific capacitance of 354 F g−1, along with an energy density of 25.6 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 486.2 W kg−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The device also demonstrated long‐term reliability, retaining 88% of its initial capacitance after 15,000 cycles. The outstanding performance is attributed to the integration of redox‐active nitrogen functionalities and the inherent stability and tunability of the borane‐based framework. This work establishes nitrogen‐doped borane cluster polymers as a promising new class of electrode materials for high‐performance supercapacitors and broader electrochemical energy storage applications.

Nitrogen‐doped borane cluster network was prepared as a porous electrode material, featuring 1–2 nm micropores and specific surface area up to 626 m2 g−1. It delivers outstanding supercapacitor performance, reaching 607 F g−1 in a three‐electrode configuration and 354 F g−1 in an asymmetric supercapacitor device.© 2026 WILEY‐VCH GmbH

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