Biomass derived activated carbon for high performance supercapacitor electrode applications

What is it about?

Electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC) became more popular than other supercapacitors owing to the unique features like high power density, long cycle life, and high specific capacitance. The structural and electrochemical properties of the electrode materials are the key factors in determining efficiency of EDLC. Biomass derived activated carbon electrode materials attract a great research interest in this area because of the preferable properties such as high surface area, good porosity, excellent chemical stability, low cost, environmental friendliness and improved electrical conductivity. The choice of precursor influences the characteristics of activated carbon prepared using it. The cashew nutshell has a highly porous soft honeycomb matrix like structure. This unique structure provides a large specific surface area, thus making it a strong candidate for the preparation of activated carbon based electrode material. The work describes the synthesis of cashew nutshell derived activated carbon (CNSAC) through an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method. The activated carbon exhibited a specific surface area of 775 m2g-1. The maximum specific capacitance of 214 Fg-1 was obtained for CNSAC, with a current density of 1 Ag-1. The capacitance retention is found to be 98% at a current load of 10 Ag-1. The high specific capacitances and excellent cycling stability of CNSAC are desirable characteristics for a highly efficient supercapacitor.

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Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Superior structural and electrochemical characteristics of cashew nutshell derived activated carbon are appreciable for a low cost, environmentally friendly, efficient supercapacitor electrode material. The study suggests that the cashew nutshell waste can be converted into an excellent value-added product for supercapacitor electrode applications.

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