Coconut Shell-Derived Activated Carbon for High-Performance Solid-State Supercapacitors

oleh: Kuan-Ching Lee, Mitchell Shyan Wei Lim, Zhong-Yun Hong, Siewhui Chong, Timm Joyce Tiong, Guan-Ting Pan, Chao-Ming Huang

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-07-01

Deskripsi

Coconut shells, low-cost and renewable agro-wastes, were used as a starting material in the synthesis of hierarchical activated carbons via hydrothermal, KOH-activation, and carbonization techniques. The ratio of KOH to hydrochar was varied in a systemic manner to study how it influences the texture and electrochemical behavior of the capacitor. Coconut shell-based carbon coated on nickel foams presented a surface area of 1567 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>, with micropores as well as mesopores widely distributed. The sample showed superior electrochemical performance, attaining 449 F g<sup>−1</sup> at 1 A g<sup>−1</sup> in 6 M LiNO<sub>3</sub> aqueous solution. The solid-state symmetric supercapacitor device delivered a specific capacitance of 88 F g<sup>−1</sup> at 1 A g<sup>−1</sup> and a high energy density of 48.9 Whkg<sup>−1</sup> at a power density of 1 kW kg<sup>−1</sup>. At a wide voltage window of 2.0 V, the sample was highly stable during the cycle test, showing a 92% capacitance retention at 2 A g<sup>−1</sup> after cycling for 5000 times. The superior performance is due to the sample possessing great BET surface area, a good distribution of pores, and the usage of a suitable electrolyte. This facilitates an electrical double layer that can be deployed for applications to store energy.