Biomass derived nitrogen-doped activated carbon and novel biocompatible gel electrolytes for solid-state supercapacitor applications

Abstract

The development of biocompatible energy storage technologies is crucial for powering implantable devices in the health sector. In the current study, red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is used as a biomass precursor to synthesize microporous nitrogen-doped activated carbon (NACBR). The resulting carbon structure has an improved specific surface area (SSA) of 2200 m2g−1 and a hierarchical sponge-like porosity. In-vitro cytotoxic experiments support the biocompatibility of the as-synthesized carbon. It is known that N-doping increases surface wettability and conductivity, which enhances the electrode material's specific capacitance. According to electrochemical studies, in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, the NACBR electrode has the highest specific capacitance of 492 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density. Furthermore, Na2SO4, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and simulated bodily fluid (SBF) gel-electrolytes are used to fabricate and test biocompatible solid-state supercapacitor devices. The goal of this research is to construct and test biocompatible supercapacitors that could power implantable devices.