Preparation and electrochemical performance of nitrogen-enriched activated carbon derived from silkworm pupae waste. Issue 18 (28th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sattayarut, Vichuda; Chanthad, Chalathorn; Khemthong, Pongtanawat; Kuboon, Sanchai; Wanchaem, Thanthamrong; Phonyiem, Mayuree; Obata, Michiko; Fujishige, Masatsugu; Takeuchi, Kenji; Wongwiriyapan, Winadda; Khanchaitit, Paisan; Endo, Morinobu
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 9:Issue 18(2019)
• Page Start: 9878
• Page End: 9886
• Publication Date: 2019-03-28
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ra01090d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Nitrogen-enriched activated carbon from silkworm pupae prepared by hydrothermal treatment and chemical activation exhibited superior specific capacitance with excellent cycling stability. Abstract : In this study, nitrogen-enriched activated carbon from silkworm pupae waste (P-AC) was successfully prepared and its electrochemical performances in aqueous and organic electrolytes were investigated. Silkworm pupae waste is beneficial because it is a nitrogen-enriched, inexpensive, and locally available material. The preparation process includes hydrothermal treatment of the silkworm pupae waste at 200 °C, and chemical activation using zinc chloride at activation temperatures of 700, 800 and 900 °C (P700, P800, and P900, respectively). The nitrogen content in the P-ACs was approximately 3.8–6.4 at%, decreasing with activation temperature, while the surface area was approximately 1062–1267 m 2 g −1, increasing with activation temperature. Compared to a commercial AC, the P-ACs show higher nitrogen content but lower surface area. Furthermore, the P800 exhibited superior specific capacitance (154.6 and 91.6 F g −1 in aqueous and organic electrolytes) compared to a commercial AC despite possessing smaller surface area. The high nitrogen content enhanced the pseudocapacitance and improved the electrical conductivity of the P-ACs. These properties were confirmed by relatively low series and charge transfer resistances, a capacity retention higher than 88% at a current density of 0.5 A g −1 and excellent cycling stability demonstrated by maintaining 97.6% of its capacitance after 3000 cycles. These results demonstrate that silkworm pupae waste is a viable source of nitrogen-enriched AC for application in supercapacitors.