Kenaf-based activated carbon: A sustainable solution for high-performance aqueous symmetric supercapacitors

• Main Authors: Thilageshwaran, Subramaniam, M N M, Ansari, Syam G, Krishnan *, Mohammad, Khalid *
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Subjects: QC Physics; RG Gynecology and obstetrics; TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.sunway.edu.my/2609/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141593

This study presents an innovative method for synthesizing activated carbon with an exceptionally high surface area (3359 m2 g-1) using kenaf fiber-based biochar through chemical activation. The achieved specific surface area surpasses activated carbon derived from other reported fiber-based precursors. The resulting activated carbon was investigated as electrodes for supercapacitors, revealing a remarkable maximum capacitance of 312 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1. An aqueous symmetric supercapacitor employing these high-surface-area electrodes exhibited an outstanding energy density of 18.9 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 250 W kg-1. Notably, the supercapacitor retained exceptional capacitance, maintaining 93% of its initial capacitance even after 5000 charge-discharge cycles.