Boosting specific capacitance: Harnessing redox-additive electrolytes for enhanced performance in activated porous carbon derived from palmyra palm leaves

Abstract

Carbon materials derived from palmyra palm leaves and chemically activated with ZnCl2 exhibit remarkable energy storage characteristics. Carbon derived from leaves has a specific surface area of 1300 m2/g and provides extensive electrochemical interfaces. The leaf-derived carbon initially displays a specific capacitance of 75.60F/g at 5 mV/s in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Specific capacitance is significantly improved by introducing a redox additive into the parent electrolyte. In a potential window of 1 V, the combination of 0.1 M Na2SO4 and 0.03 M KI yields a specific capacitance of 173.04F/g at 5 mV/s. The findings highlight the exceptional performance and higher stability of leaf-derived activated carbon.