Sustainable biomass conversion into activated carbon for supercapacitor devices: a promising approach toward renewable energy storage

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent years, exploitation of biomass as an economical and environmentally friendly source for the production of energy to power supercapacitor devices has gained momentum. It is a viable alternative to current methods of energy consumption and chemical production, offering a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. Additionally, biomass has an inherently high energy capacity, making it a promising source of energy for the production of supercapacitor devices. The current investigation utilizes Spathodea campanulata leaves and flowers to synthesize KOH-activated carbon (AC) through microwave approach. In this study, two types of biomass-derived materials, AC-SPL and AC-SPF, were evaluated for their suitability as electrode materials for supercapacitors. FTIR results suggested the presence of O- and N- functionalities in the synthesized carbon materials. XRD results reflected an amorphous structure with an increased crystalline size due to KOH activation. The specific capacitance values of AC-SPF were found to be 9.2F/g while for AC-SPL 6.03 F/g. The investigated samples were found to possess good physicochemical properties and promising electrochemical performance, making them suitable for use in the development of an inexpensive and eco-friendly electrode material for supercapacitor applications.