Facile one-pot transformation using structure-guided combustion waves of micro-nanostructured β-Bi2O3 to α-Bi2O3@C and analysis of electrochemical capacitance

•Structure-guided combustion wave(SGCW) provided one-step material manipulation.•Hybrid composites of microflower-like β-Bi2O3 and nitrocellulose were fabricated.•SGCW in the composite enabled one-pot transformation to micropill-like α-Bi2O3@C.•High temperature and incomplete combustion induced phase change and carbon coating.•Micropill-like α-Bi2O3@C showed the enhanced specific capacitance and stability.