Tridimensional few-layer graphene-like structures from sugar-salt mixtures as high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ba, Housseinou; Wang, Wei; Tuci, Giulia; Pronkin, Sergey N.; Weinberg, Caroline; Nguyen-Dinh, Lam; Giambastiani, Giuliano; Pham-Huu, Cuong
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 10(2018)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: 3D graphene-like materials -- Salt templating method -- Chemical activation -- Natural C-sources -- Supercapacitors; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2018.08.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: This work describes a straightforward approach to the production of highly-performing and cost-effective C-based materials for energy storage application while proposing an original and effective method to the control of the final material morphology. Indeed, robust few-layer graphene-like and highly open-cell structures have been prepared by a modified chemical activation procedure starting from costless sugar/salt mixtures. The as-prepared C-samples ensure high ion-accessible surface area and low ion transport resistance, two key features for the fabrication of effective electrochemical double layer supercapacitors. A selected sample from this series exhibits high specific capacitance (Cg ) (312 and 234 F g −1 at 0.5 and 50 A g −1, respectively, in 0.5 M H2 SO4 ), particularly at high current density values, along with excellent cycling stability and Cg retention for increasing charge–discharge rates. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Tridimensional few-layer graphene-like structures are straightforwardly prepared from cheap sugar-salt mixtures. The chemical activation of C-based structures has been firstly described by impregnation with a concentrated aqueous KOH solution. Chemical activation via KOH solution deeply influences both the material specific surface area and morphology. These C-based matrices featured by non-stackable graphene domains holds excellent performance as energy storage materials.