Journal Article

Self-activated ‘green’ carbon nanoparticles for symmetric solid-state supercapacitors

Bhat, Vinay S, Sirimahachai Uraiwan, Rujiralai Thitima, Krishnan, Syam G, Hegde Gurumurthy, Khalid, Mohammad, Viswanatha, R, Jayeoye, Titilope John

2021

Overview

Tuning of porosity and surface properties of nanoparticles especially on carbon-based nanomaterials, adopting a ‘greener’ or self-activation synthesis technique for electrical charge storage, is progressing. Herein, we report the self-activation of Teak wood sawdust in a nitrogen atmosphere at different activation temperatures to synthesize carbon nanoparticles. The activated carbon nanoparticles synthesized at 900 °C exhibits a maximum ~ 360 m2 g−1 surface area with ~ 2 nm average pore size diameter. Five electrolytes viz. KOH, KCl, Na2SO4, NaCl, and H3PO4 are used for studying the supercapacitance nature of the activated carbon nanoparticles in a 3-electrode configuration. A maximum specific capacitance of ~ 208 F g−1 @ 0.25 A g−1 is obtained in 1 M KOH as the electrolyte. Two symmetric supercapacitors, aqueous (1 M KOH) and solid-state (PVA/KOH), are fabricated, and their performance difference is compiled. The solid-state symmetric supercapacitor performs in a wider voltage window (1.7 V) with a superior energy density of 27.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 178 W kg−1.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Activated carbon / Electrolytes / Flux density / Materials science / Nanomaterials / Nanoparticles / Pore size / Porosity / Sawdust / Solid state / Supercapacitors / Surface properties / Synthesis