MgO-templated mesoporous carbons were fabricated by annealing trimagnesium dicitrate nonahydrateat various temperatures from 700 to 1000 degrees C with subsequent acid leaching of MgO. The obtained carbons contained a large amount of mesopores. Performances of electric double-layer capacitors using these carbons were examined for propylene carbonate electrolyte containing 1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate. The mesoporous carbons synthesized at higher temperatures showed better rate capabilities. AC impedance measurements indicated that high-temperature annealing of the carbon precursors and the presence of mesopores were important for high rate performance. In addition, the contribution of mesopores to capacitance was more significant at higher current densities of 30 A g(-1). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.