Abstract
In this study, RF-based un-doped and nitrogen-doped aerogels were produced by polymerisation reaction between resorcinol and formaldehyde with sodium carbonate as catalyst and melamine as the nitrogen source. Carbon/activated carbon aerogels were obtained by carbonisation of the gels under inert atmosphere (Ar) followed by activation of the carbons under CO2 at 800 °C. The BET analysis of the samples showed a more than two-fold increase in the specific Surf. area and pore volume of carbon from 537 to 1333 m2g−1 and 0.242 to 0.671 cm3g−1 respectively after nitrogen doping and activation. SEM and XRD analysis of the samples revealed highly porous amorphous nanostructures with denser inter-particle cross-linked pathways for the activated nitrogen-doped carbon. The X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the presence of nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms on the Surf. and within the carbon matrix where improvement in wettability with the drop in the contact angle from 123° to 80° was witnessed after oxygen and nitrogen doping. A steady drop in the equivalent series (RS) and charge transfer (RCT) resistances was observed by electrochemical measurements after the introduction of nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms. The highest specific capacitance of 289 Fg−1 with the lowest values of 0.11 Ω and 0.02 Ω for RS and RCT was achieved for nitrogen and oxygen dual-doped activated carbon in line with its improved Surf. chemistry and wettability, and its enhanced conductivity due to denser inter-particle cross-linked pathways.
Highlights
Power generation using renewable energy from wind, tidal and solar as sustainable sources of energy with low or even zero emissions requires efficient energy storage technologies to overcome their intermittent nature of energy supply for our future energy demands
We report the synthesis of polymeric carbons with controlled porosity (SSA and pore size distribution (PSD))
Cyclic voltammetry measurements of the cell showed a significant improvement in its specific capacitance after activation and nitrogen doping of the carbon used as electroactive material in its electrode formulation
Summary
Power generation using renewable energy from wind, tidal and solar as sustainable sources of energy with low or even zero emissions requires efficient energy storage technologies to overcome their intermittent nature of energy supply for our future energy demands. Electrochemical energy storage technologies such as batteries and supercapacitors with suitable operational parameters (i.e., energy density, power density and cycle life) will play a key role with this by responding to the actual characteristics of energy supply through peak shaving and voltage regulation and by fulfilling the energy requirements of upcoming systems when a long-term flat voltage energy supply or a short term power supply is required [1]. Energies 2020, 13, 5577 technology for applications needing high power densities, long cycle life and excellent reversibility [2,3]. The technology suffers from inferior energy densities when compared with electrochemical batteries [4,5]. This is mainly attributable to a limited surface charge storage at the electrode/electrolyte interface in comparison to bulk Faradaic charge accumulation occurring in electrochemical batteries [2,6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
