Biomass valorization of Mangifera Indica into hierarchical carbon materials with self-doping oxygen assisted carbonization for supercapacitor applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT The exploration of biocompatible energy storage media for future generations has been continuously carried out. This includes the investigations of electrode materials that are renewable, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and rich in heteroatoms. The electrode materials undergo carbonization as a promising thermochemical process to create an active material with a porous structure of well-defined and controlled geometry. The main objective of this study is to thoroughly examine the conversion process of electrode materials derived from Mangifera Indica Seed Shells (MIS) using carbonization and activation methods for supercapacitor applications. Pyrolysis at various temperatures was carried out to determine the definitive influence of carbonization temperature on the capacitive performance of MIS active materials. The optimum carbonization temperature of 600°C significantly enhances mesoporosity, which is positively correlated to the specific surface area, hierarchical structure, and the presence of self-doping oxygen, leading to a substantial increase in capacitive behavior. In the experiment, the MIS samples were used as electrodes for supercapacitor cells, and they were found to exhibit a specific capacitance of 255 Fg−1. The goal of this study is to offer a sustainable solution by using biomass as an active material for high-performance supercapacitor cells that can be utilized in energy storage applications.