Mesoporous graphitized carbon materials: dilemma between graphitization and porosity

Mesoporous graphitized carbon (MGC) has attracted increasing attention due to its potential to combine the high electrical conductivity and specific surface area of graphite with the rapid ion transport enabled by mesoporous frameworks. However, the inherent contradiction between graphitization and porosity makes the synthesis of well-defined MGC highly challenging. This perspective summarized recent advances in strategies for graphitization process of carbon materials. Key challenges such as high graphitization temperature, mesostructure collapse, and catalyst-related issues have been discussed. Among them, particular emphasis was placed on exploring detailed catalytic graphitization process by transition metal. Finally, a foresightful viewpoint has been put forward that future research will concentrate on solving the incompatibility between graphitization and porosity, and a variety of mesoporous graphitized carbon materials will be designed and applicated in advanced energy storage field.