A simple method to prepare carbon nanotubes from sunflower seed hulls and sago and their application in supercapacitor. Issue 1 (5th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, H.Y.; Niu, H.J.; Wang, Y.M.; Wang, C.; Bai,, X.D.; Wang, S.; Wang, Wen
• Is Part Of: Pigment & resin technology. Volume 44:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2015-01-05
• Subjects: Protective coatings -- Periodicals; 667.62305
• DOI: 10.1108/PRT-10-2013-0090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0369-9420

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper was to provide a simple method for the preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by pyrolysing sunflower seed hulls and sago and to evaluate the application of such CNTs in supercapacitors. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – The CNTs were obtained by pyrolysing sunflower seed hulls and sago at 800°C. The prepared CNTs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge and discharge and electrochemical impedance spectra methods. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – The CNTs had large surface areas as determined by the methylene blue method and the Brunauer – Emmett – Teller method. And the CNTs that were prepared by pyrolysing the natural sunflower seed hulls (denoted as CNTs-1) and sago (denoted as CNTs-2) had capacitances of 86.9 F/g and 26.7 F/g, respectively. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Research limitations/implications</title> <p> – The capacitances of CNTs can be further improved. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – The exceptional electronic and mechanical properties of CNTs prepared lend the CNTs to diverse applications including electrocatalysts, hydrogen storage, photovoltaic devices actuators, energy storage, field-emitting flat panel displays and composites. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – Currently, CNTs have not yet been used in the industry at a mass production scale due to high costs associated. The outcomes of the study reported in this article could provide a convenient method in aid of industrialisation of the production of CNTs.</p> </sec> </abstract>