The preparation of 3D network pore structure activated carbon as an electrode material for supercapacitors with long-term cycle stability. Issue 62 (14th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leng, Changyu; Sun, Kang
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 62(2016)
• Page Start: 57075
• Page End: 57083
• Publication Date: 2016-06-14
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra07490a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : ZnCl2, KOH and water vapor were used as activated reagents to obtain the expected activated carbon that has a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected network structure and good electrochemical properties as carbon-based electrodes. Abstract : The high performance bio-based activated carbon (BAC) was prepared via a novel combination of chemical and physical activation processes using coconut shells as a precursor. The as-obtained BAC exhibited a three-dimensional (3D) network pore structure, high specific surface area (3242.05 m 2 g −1 ), unobstructed and interconnected pores, and large pore volume (1.919 cm 3 g −1 ). The BAC exhibited a high specific capacitance of 337 F g −1 (202 F cm −3 ) and retained a specific capacitance of 331 F g −1 (190 F cm −3 ) after 10 000 cycles (98% capacitance reservation) at a current density of 0.5 A g −1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. AC-W had a gravimetric capacitance value of 240 F g −1 and a volumetric capacitance value of 120 F cm −3 in 1 M TEA BF4 /AN. The BAC shows ideal properties as electrode material and also exhibits long-term cycle stability, low capacitance loss rate and high capacitance as an electrode material in aqueous and organic electrolytes. These results are expected to develop efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost supercapacitors, as well as to promote their application in future electric vehicles, mobile phones and power electronics.