Interface-shrunk regulated synthesis of asymmetric ultrafine mono-mesopore Nepenthes with tailored window

Abstract

Asymmetric ultrafine mono-mesopore architectures with ultrasmall size, an open window, and unique physicochemical properties offer great opportunities in energy storage, yet their synthesis remains challenging. Inspired by the fast, unidirectional capture ability of Nepenthes, we propose an interface-shrunk monomicelle assembly strategy to synthesize asymmetric ultrafine mono-mesopore nanoparticles (AUMNs) with an open window on hollow shells. These biomimetic nanoparticles (∼45 nm) possess a mono-mesopore cavity (∼40 nm) and an opening window (∼20 nm). Their structural parameters, including window size (15–28 nm), shell thickness (7–14 nm), and cavity size (38–59 nm), are precisely tunable. The resulting AUMNs exhibit a high surface area (1312 m² g⁻¹) and abundant pseudocapacitive sites. As cathodes in zinc-ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs), they show low charge-transfer impedance and deliver a maximum capacity of 210 mAh g⁻¹. Asymmetric ultrafine mono-mesopore architectures with ultrasmall size, an unimpeded opened window, and unique physicochemical properties endow great opportunities in energy storage, while their synthesis remains challenging. Here the authors propose an interface-shrunk monomicelle assembly strategy for the synthesis of asymmetric monomesopore nanoparticles architectures with an unimpeded open window on hollow shells.