Transforming polymeric air filters into high-performance supercapacitor electrodes through carbonization and fluorination

Abstract

The global surge in disposable mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic raises environmental concerns due to improper disposal. This study proposes an innovative method to repurpose polypropylene (PP) from disposable masks into highly efficient supercapacitor electrodes. Previous attempts faced challenges in electrochemical performance due to high charge transfer resistance. To overcome this, we introduce a unique approach, transforming PP masks into high-performance supercapacitor electrodes through thermal carbonization, activation, and fluorination. PVDF annealing fluorination simultaneously executes these transformations, resulting in a 40 % increase in specific capacitance, from 130.4 F g−1 to 183.3 F g−1. Our electrode materials exhibit remarkable durability, retaining an impressive 90.8 % of their initial capacity even after undergoing 8000 charge-discharge cycles, highlighting exceptional electrochemical performance. The porosity of the fluorinated carbon fibers (FCF) was determined through N2 adsorption at 77 K, revealing a pore volume of 0.5 cm3 g−1 and a specific surface area of 1175 m2 g−1. This study not only repurposes PP from masks but also enhances their electrochemical properties, addressing environmental impact and representing a significant stride in sustainable material development.