Nanoporous carbon black particles as an electrode material for electrochemical double layer capacitors

Abstract

The aim of this work is to investigate the nanoporous carbon black particles as a possible electrode candidate material for electrochemical double layer capacitors using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in 2M KCl electrolyte at different scan rates. Scanning electron microscopy is also used to characterize the microstructure and nature of the produced electrodes which confirms the nanoporous (<10nm in diameter) structure of the prepared electrodes. This nanoporous structure increases the specific surface area and electrical resistance of the electrodes, simultaneously. Proposed electrode shows a specific capacitance as high as 33.58Fg−1, in the potential range from −0.15 to 0.55V (vs. SCE) at a scan rate of 10mVs−1. It shows the low ratio of the outer to total charge (q⁎O/q*T) of 0.11 which confirms the low current response. Additionally, charge/discharge cycling test shows good reversibility after 100 cycles.