Owing to its abundant nitrogen content, silk cocoon is a promising precursor for the synthesis of Nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N-PC). Using a simple staged KOH activation, the prepared sample displays particular nanostructure with ultrahigh specific surface area (3841 m(2) g(-1)) and appropriate pore size, providing favorable pathways for transportation and penetration of electrolyte ions. Additionally, the doped nitrogen atoms ensure the samples with pseudocapacitive behavior. Those special characteristics endow N-PCs with high capacity, low resistance, and long-term stability, indicating a wonderful potential for application in energy-storage devices. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.