Sustainable Energy‐Storage Materials from Lignin–Graphene Nanocomposite‐Derived Porous Carbon Film. Issue 11 (30th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tran, Chau D.; Ho, Hoi Chun; Keum, Jong K.; Chen, Jihua; Gallego, Nidia C.; Naskar, Amit K.
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 5:Issue 11(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1927
• Page End: 1935
• Publication Date: 2017-05-30
• Subjects: electrochemistry -- energy storage -- graphene -- nanostructures -- thin films; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201700090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract: A simple, green approach to fabricating porous free‐standing carbon films is presented. An alkaline solution of low‐cost, renewable lignin and graphene oxide (GO) is cast, followed by simultaneous carbonization and activation. Lignin, which is the least valued product from several biomass processing industries, is an efficient source of carbon when used as an intercalating agent to separate graphene sheets derived from homogeneous GO/lignin nanocomposite films prepared from an aqueous alkaline (KOH) solution. After thermal treatment the GO/lignin films show complete dispersion of reduced GO sheets within amorphous lignin‐derived carbon. The presence of KOH in the film produces activated carbon. These activated carbon films display a specific surface area of up to 1744 m 2 g −1 and consist of a balance of pore volumes with pore sizes below and above 1 nm. A two‐electrode supercapacitor composed of these films in an aqueous electrolyte exhibits near‐ideal capacitive behavior at an ultrahigh scan rate of 1 V s −1, while maintaining an excellent specific capacitance of 162 F g −1 . Such outstanding performance of renewable carbon as a supercapacitor, in addition to the ease of electrode fabrication from a precursor containing 85 % lignin, offers a novel method for valorization of lignin‐rich byproduct streams from biomass processing industries. Abstract : Carbon electrode from lignin‐graphene : High‐performing supercapacitor electrodes can be produced from lignin and graphene oxide (GO) using a facile method by simple mixing in a strong alkaline solution and subsequent activation. GO can be dispersed uniformly within the lignin matrix, providing high conductivity for the electrodes. Potassium hydroxide activation produces pores, resulting in a high surface area, leading to a high performing supercapacitor electrode.