Energy storage in carbon materials synthesized from fir bark modified with graphite and zinc chlorine

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the synthesis process of composite materials based on fir bark for thermochemical transformation and to determine the influence of additives such as zinc chloride, natural graphite of various origins on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of the carbonized products. Modification of fir bark sawdust with amorphous and/or crystalline graphite and zinc chloride allowed for the synthesis of products with a specific surface area of up to 780 m2/g and an apparent specific electrical capacity up to 540 F/g. It was revealed that carbonization of samples containing zinc chloride leads to the formation of porous carbon/zinc oxide composites. The solid residue obtained from the mixture of three components (fir bark, crystalline graphite, and zinc chloride) has the highest apparent specific electrical capacity. It is assumed that the combination of the structures of amorphous, crystalline carbon, and zinc oxide promotes the diffusion of electrolyte and the accumulation of electric charge in carbon composite.