High-rate electrochimcal supercapacitor with attractive energy density assembling from infused-undaria-pinnatifida-based activated carbon

Abstract

In order to achieve attractive energy density and specific capacitance of electrochemical supercapacitor, multi-heteroatom self-doped carbon is prepared by pyrolyzing the aquatic biomass undaria pinnatifida (UP) filled with magnesium acetate (Mg(CH3COO)2). The pyrolysis product of magnesium oxide (MgO), acting as rigid filling, can shape the pore and help to keep the original pore system. The resultant immersed-undaria-pinnatifida-based activated carbon (IUPAC-700) co-doped with multi-heteroatom shows specific surface area of 1116 m2 g−1, pore volume of 1.63 cm3 g−1 and desired pore size distribution. The electrode basing on it delivers specific capacitance of 579.7 F g−1 at the current density of 0.50 A g−1 and 306.0 F g−1 at 100.0 A g−1 in the electrolyte of 1.0 M H2SO4. It exhibits a high specific capacitance of 488.6 F g−1 in the two-electrode system and provides a significant energy density of 28.7 W kg−1 at the power density of 164.0 W kg−1. It also displays perfect cyclic life after 8000 times charge-discharge at the current density of 5.0 A g−1. The assembled supercapacitor can power the LED lights. The sample IUPAC-700 featured with self-doped multi-heteroatoms is a very competitive electrode material for energy storage device with desired comprehensive performance.