Electrodes For Micro-supercapacitors Research Articles

Facile fabrication of 2D porous carbon nano-flake electrodes for high-performance flexible on-chip micro-supercapacitors

Graphene has been continuously investigated as electrode material for flexible micro-supercapacitors (MSCs). However, owing to the lack of in-plane ion transport channels and low specific surface area caused by restacking of graphene sheets, its electrochemical performance is unsatisfactory. To solve this problem, herein, we present a novel strategy for preparing 2D porous carbon nano-flake (PCF) through simple chlorine-etching MXene (Ti3C2). Distinctly different from the commonly graphene sheets, the prepared PCF shows high specific surface area (1239 m2 g−1) and abundant ion transport channels in c-axis direction, thus enhancing electrochemical performance. When the prepared PCF is used as the electrode for MSCs, the MSCs behaves excellent electrochemical performances. The areal capacitance and the energy density is up to 102.1 mF cm−2 (at current density of 0.2 mA cm−2) and 13.2 μWh cm−2 (at 0.1 mW cm−2 power density), respectively, which, to the best of our knowledge, are both among the highest values reported for MSCs with the graphene electrodes. In addition, the fabricated MSCs also show excellent mechanical flexibility and easy-adjustment in the voltage and capacitance by connecting multiple MSCs in series and parallel. These results indicate that the prepared PCF has great application potential in micro electrochemical energy storage devices.

Space-Partitioning and metal coordination in Free-Standing Covalent organic framework Nano-Films: Over 230 mWh/cm3 energy density for flexible in-Plane Micro-Supercapacitors

In-plane micro-supercapacitor (MSC) is an important energy storage equipment for the power-source backup in miniaturized electronics. Covalent organic framework (COF) with the regular porous structure and high stability is emerging as a promising flexible MSC electrode material. Herein, the large-area shape-customizable COFTAPB-DHPA free-standing nano-film with the thickness of ∼11 nm was prepared via the surfactant-monolayer-assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) method, followed by space-partitioning (covalent bond with ionic liquid, IL-COFTAPB-DHPA) and metal coordination (Co2+, Co-COFTAPB-DHPA) two strategies to enhance the capacitance performances. The MSC-COFTAPB-DHPA, MSC-IL-COFTAPB-DHPA and MSC-Co-COFTAPB-DHPA were fabricated directly by using corresponding as-prepared COF films as flexible electrodes. The maximum energy density value of MSC-IL-COFTAPB-DHPA (139.7 mWh/cm3) and MSC-Co-COFTAPB-DHPA (230.4 mWh/cm3) is 106% and 240% higher than the reported highest value in the reported two-dimensional (2D) material based MSCs at this stage, respectively. This work provides the potential MSC application direction of the large-area and crystalline 2D-COF nano-film.

Femtosecond laser induced one-step nanopatterning and preparation of rGO/RuO2 electrodes for high-performance micro-supercapacitors

Due to the tremendous importance of miniaturized energy harvesting devices for implantable and wearable electronics, numerous new materials and electrode architectures for micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) have emerged in recent years. Hybrid electrodes based on transition metal oxides and carbon-based materials are considered to be promising candidates to overcome the relatively low energy density of pure carbon materials. However, the complicated preparation process limited its development. Herein, a facile method of simultaneous nanopatterning and preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/RuO2 nanocomposite electrodes by femtosecond laser irradiation is proposed. The RuO2 nanoparticles and filaments structures are successfully anchored to rGO surfaces through a redox reaction of graphene oxide (GO) and RuCl3. On this basis, the binder-free, metal current collector-free rGO/RuO2 electrodes are constructed. The as prepared rGO/RuO2 MSCs deliver an areal capacitance of 2.35 mF/cm2 and 90% capacitance retention after 4000 charge-discharge cycles. The synergic effect between rGO and RuO2 nanoparticles enables the high-performance of rGO/RuO2 hybrid electrodes. This research enables the one-step manufacturing of carbon/pseudocapacitor hybrid electrodes, showing great promise for next generation flexible displays and wearable electronic devices.

Polyaniline Modified Laser-Scribed Graphene for High-Performance Microsupercapacitors

Here, we successfully synthesize polyaniline (PANI)-modified laser-scribed graphene (LSG) composite electrodes for high-performance microsupercapacitors (MSCs). The three-dimensional (3D) porous LSG is directly patterned on a transparent polyethersulfone (PES) film via one-step laser irradiation. PANI is then electrodeposited on the LSG conductive skeletons to obtain LSG/PANI hybrid electrodes. As expected, the fabricated LSG/PANI-40 based MSC offers an outstanding areal capacitance of 129.51 mF cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−2</sup> , which is far larger than that of pure LSG-based MSC (0.58 mF cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−2</sup> ). Therefore, this study demonstrates the significant application potential of LSG/PANI composite electrodes in high-performance energy storage devices.

High-Energy-Density Sputtered Iridium Oxide Micro-Supercapacitors Operating in Physiological Electrolytes

Traditional power sources for implantable devices, such as packaged internal batteries, suffer from bulkiness, limited cycle lifetime, and patient discomfort due to the need for periodic replacement surgery. Supercapacitors that directly utilize bodily fluids as electrolytes may serve as alternative power sources that are compact, durable, and patient-friendly. In this work, we present high-performance micro-supercapacitors that operate stably in physiological electrolytes for their potential as implantable miniature power sources. Sputtered iridium oxide films (SIROFs) produced using water-oxygen plasmas are employed as micro-supercapacitor electrodes and characterized in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and an inorganic model of interstitial fluid (model-ISF). The SIROF micro-supercapacitors exhibit a high volumetric capacitance of 425 F cm−3 (113 F g−1) in PBS and 223 F cm−3 (59.0 F g−1) in model-ISF, and an energy density of 59.1 mWh cm−3 (15.7 mWh g−1) in PBS and 30.9 mWh cm−3 (8.2 mWh g−1) in model-ISF. These devices show stability over 100,000 charging-discharging cycles without loss of capacitance in these electrolytes. Polyethylene glycol coatings on SIROF are also investigated as a potential means of controlling biomolecule absorption and enhancing biocompatibility. This work provides a step toward implantable micro-supercapacitors that directly use the biological fluids as electrolytes.

Novel Design and Numerical Analysis of 3D Porous Electrodes for Micro-Supercapacitors

Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), a clean and sustainable energy storage device, possess remarkable characteristics such as high energy/power autonomy, high charge-discharge cycles, and fast charge-discharge rates, making them a promising candidate for miniaturized energy storage components. However, the major constraint of MSCs is their low energy density. As a result, researchers have been working extensively to enhance the energy density of MSCs. This work presents a novel three-dimensional (3D) porous interdigitated MSC electrodes with parallel cylindrical holes. The proposed and popular octet structures were designed and compared using finite element analysis under uniaxial tensile loading. The proposed structure demonstrated more than 70% higher surface area, and since these holes are continuous along the electrode length, there will be no resistance to the ion movements. Because of the design's simplicity, it will be possible to produce 3D MSC electrodes with a larger surface area using unconventional manufacturing methods. The proposed structure will significantly improve the energy and power density of 3D MSCs.

Dual Defocused Laser Pyrolysis: A Lasing-Centric Strategy for Defect and Morphological Optimization in Microsupercapacitor Electrodes.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has shown great potential for controllable and scalable realization of microsupercapacitors (MSCs). However, as is well-known, LIG electrodes suffer from low charge storage capacity and conductance. In this paper, a lasing-centric method is presented for defect control and morphological enhancement in LIG electrodes through unique dual laser pyrolysis. This method encompasses dual lasing pyrolysis, one for the synthesis of defocused LIG, and another for the decoration of Ru nanoparticles to enhance electrochemical performance. Fundamentally, the investigation simultaneously optimizes for defocused lasing distance and lasing speed, which to the best of the author's knowledge, has not been previously reported. The defocused LIG electrode exhibits a remarkably improved electrochemical capacitance of over 25 times (114 mF cm-2 ) compared to the one based on focused laser-induced graphene (FLIG). As a device demonstration, a flexible and self-healable MSC has been fabricated based on DFLIG/Ru-PEDOT/Au electrodes, exhibiting a high areal specific capacitance (25.7 mF cm-2 ), excellent electrochemical stability (91% retention of specific capacitance after 8000cycles), and good self-healing performance (85.6% retention of specific capacitance after two cut-heal cycles). By enhancing material properties via dual defocused laser pyrolysis, this work presents a strategy for highly controllable and scalable realization of electrodes in micro-energy storage devices.

Ultrafast high-energy micro-supercapacitors based on open-shell polymer-graphene composites

Micro-supercapacitors are poised to serve as on-chip power sources for electronics. However, the challenge to simultaneously increase their power, energy, and lifetime demands new material combinations beyond current carbon-based systems. Here, we demonstrate that electro-deposition of an open-shell conjugated polymer with reduced graphene oxide achieves electrodes with capacitance up to 186 mF cm −2 (372 F cm −3 ). The extended delocalization within the open-shell polymer stabilizes redox states and facilitates a 3 V wide potential window, while the hierarchical electrode structure promotes ultrafast kinetics. The micro-supercapacitor shows a high power density of 227 mW cm −2 with an energy density of 10.5 μWh cm −2 and stability of 84% capacitance retention after 11,000 cycles. These attributes allow operation at 120 Hz for fast charging and alternating current (AC) line filtering applications, which may be suitable to replace bulky electrolytic capacitors or serve as high-endurance energy storage for wireless electronics. • A new class of open-shell conjugated polymer-based composite electrodes • Electrodes incorporating polymers with extended delocalization facilitating 3 V redox stability window • Ultrafast kinetics compatible with a typical AC line frequency of 60 Hz • Suitable replacement for bulky electrolytic capacitors, reducing volume by >10 times Micro-supercapacitors are promising for on-chip power sources. Yao et al. show that the electro-polymerization of an open-shell conjugated polymer with reduced graphene oxide enables hierarchical electrodes for micro-supercapacitors, simultaneously increasing their power, energy, and lifetime for wireless electronic applications.

Mos2-Modified 3d-Printed Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel for High Energy Density Micro-Supercapacitor Electrode

Mos2-Modified 3d-Printed Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel for High Energy Density Micro-Supercapacitor Electrode

Laser engraving and punching of graphene films as flexible all-solid-state planar micro-supercapacitor electrodes

The design of lightweight and flexible micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) to couple with the unprecedented boom of microelectronics is extremely desirable but remains challenging. Herein, a facile and straightforward laser engraving and punching strategy has been reported to fabricate graphene-based planar MSCs with outstanding flexibility, superior modularization and programmable pore generation. The resulting planar flexible MSCs are free of external metal current collectors and separators, and exhibit high specific capacitance, outstanding rate capability and robust stability with 98.4% capacitance retention even after 25,000 cycles in the PVA/H2SO4 gel electrolyte. Notably, the output voltage and capacitance of our prepared MSCs are readily adjustable through simple serial and parallel connection, indicative of superior modularization and performance uniformity.

Laser‐Induced Graphenization of PDMS as Flexible Electrode for Microsupercapacitors

AbstractLaser graphenization of polymeric surfaces has emerged as one of the most promising technologies to fabricate flexible electrodes. Unfortunately, despite the large number of materials suitable for laser‐induced graphene (LIG) fabrication, there is a lack of stretchable polymers, hindering the full exploitation of LIG for flexible electronics. Herein, the laser graphenization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the most exploited elastomeric substrate for flexible electronic device fabrication, is proposed for the first time. The low carbon content and the absence of aromatic structures strongly limit the graphenization process resulting in limited conduction properties. Nevertheless, by adding triethylene glycol (TEG) as carbon source into the PDMS matrix, it is possible to improve the graphenization and to reduce the sheet resistance of the written LIG by two orders of magnitude down to 130 ohm sq−1. The PDMS‐TEG material becomes a suitable candidate for flexible microsupercapacitor fabrication with specific capacitance values as high as 287 µF cm−2 and energy and power density approaching LIG‐based supercapacitors fabricated onto traditional polyimide substrates.

Hierarchically Porous, Laser-Pyrolyzed Carbon Electrode from Black Photoresist for On-Chip Microsupercapacitors.

We report a laser-pyrolyzed carbon (LPC) electrode prepared from a black photoresist for an on-chip microsupercapacitor (MSC). An interdigitated LPC electrode was fabricated by direct laser writing using a high-power carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to simultaneously carbonize and pattern a spin-coated black SU-8 film. Due to the high absorption of carbon blacks in black SU-8, the laser-irradiated SU-8 surface was directly exfoliated and carbonized by a fast photo-thermal reaction. Facile laser pyrolysis of black SU-8 provides a hierarchically macroporous, graphitic carbon structure with fewer defects (ID/IG = 0.19). The experimental conditions of CO2 direct laser writing were optimized to fabricate high-quality LPCs for MSC electrodes with low sheet resistance and good porosity. A typical MSC based on an LPC electrode showed a large areal capacitance of 1.26 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, outperforming most MSCs based on thermally pyrolyzed carbon. In addition, the results revealed that the high-resolution electrode pattern in the same footprint as that of the LPC-MSCs significantly affected the rate performance of the MSCs. Consequently, the proposed laser pyrolysis technique using black SU-8 provided simple and facile fabrication of porous, graphitic carbon electrodes for high-performance on-chip MSCs without high-temperature thermal pyrolysis.

Vacuum-deposited thin film porous ZnO-metal oxide hybrid systems for microsupercapacitor applications with Ir/IrO2 in ZnO as a new, high-performance electrode

We fabricate porous nanostructured 1 μm thick ZnO-metal/metal oxide hybrid material thin films using a unique approach utilizing physical vapor deposition with postdeposition annealing. We study Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir and Sn as the metals and find they all form hybrid structures, however with differing physical and electrochemical properties. We investigate their applicability in microsupercapacitor electrodes in a LiCl aqueous electrolyte and find that the ZnO hybrid with Ir exhibits the highest capacitances. We follow with optimization and more detailed material studies of the ZnO–Ir hybrid showing that a significant amount of Ir is present in the material in the form of metallic Ir and indiffused Ir, while IrO2 is also present in the nanoscale. We obtain electrodes with 5.25 mF · cm−2 capacitance with 90% retention over 10 000 charge/discharge cycles in an aqueous LiCl electrolyte, which is better than the reported values for other Ir-based hybrids. Finally, we showed that the electrodes provide 2.64 mF · cm−2 in a symmetric device with an operating voltage of 0.8 V. With this report, we discuss the influence of both Ir and IrO2 on the capacitance, underlining the synergistic effect, and show them as promising inorganic matterials for integration with other supercapacitor electrodes.

High Performance 2D Micro-Supercapacitor Electrode Composed of Graphene with Polydopamine As Inserts

Over the last years, graphene is deemed as one of the most promising electrode materials for EDLCs due to its large specific surface area (2600 m2·g-1), high theoretical specific capacitance (550 F·g-1) and high conductivity.1 Among all the reported approaches to achieve a graphene-like material, the most favorable route is the reduction of GO and notably the electrochemical reduction of GO that is viewed as an economic, simple, fast and eco-friendly method with production possibility at a relatively large scale.2,3 However, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) suffers from the small surface area due to the partial re-stacking of graphene sheets.4 Therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective and feasible route to avoid rGO re-stacking to obtain graphene-based electrodes with a high specific capacitance and a good stability.Herein, we report graphene-polydopamine (PDA) composites as electrodes for micro-supercapacitor devices fabricated by a facile electrochemical approach. 5 We particularly address the rGO re-stacking issue by exploiting the PDA as a “chemical insert” between the graphene sheets but also explore the impact of PDA on the interfacial charge storage properties and the cycling performance. The optimized ERGO-PDA electrode possesses combined features of excellent capacitive behavior: high gravimetric and volumetric capacitances (178 F·g-1 and 297 F·cm-3, respectively, at 10 mV·s-1). Even at a scan rate of 1V/s, its volumetric capacitance is still as high as 94 F/cm3 (versus only 39 F/cm3 for ERGO) with an excellent cycling stability. Additionally, the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance analyses demonstrate a dominant cationic charge compensation and a very efficient interfacial transfer characteristics, since a totally reversible mass response during charge/discharge was observed for the optimized ERGO-PDA electrode. Here the favourable impact of PDA is shown to tackle rGO restacking issue, shedding light on the design of graphene based composite electrodes and can also be extended to other 2D materials for high performance electrochemical energy storage electrodes. Keywords: EDLC, reduced graphene oxide, polydopamine, composite, microsupercapacitor.

Aqueous Inks of Pristine Graphene for 3D Printed Microsupercapacitors with High Capacitance.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is gaining importance as a sustainable route for the fabrication of high-performance energy storage devices. It enables the streamlined manufacture of devices with programmable geometry at different length scales down to micron-sized dimensions. Miniaturized energy storage devices are fundamental components for on-chip technologies to enable energy autonomy. In this work, we demonstrate 3D printed microsupercapacitor electrodes from aqueous inks of pristine graphene without the need of high temperature processing and functional additives. With an intrinsic electrical conductivity of ∼1370 S m–1 and rationally designed architectures, the symmetric microsupercapacitors exhibit an exceptional areal capacitance of 1.57 F cm–2 at 2 mA cm–2 which is retained over 72% after repeated voltage holding tests. The areal power density (0.968 mW cm–2) and areal energy density (51.2 μWh cm–2) outperform the ones of previously reported carbon-based supercapacitors which have been either 3D or inkjet printed. Moreover, a current collector-free interdigitated microsupercapacitor combined with a gel electrolyte provides electrochemical performance approaching the one of devices with liquid-like ion transport properties. Our studies provide a sustainable and low-cost approach to fabricate efficient energy storage devices with programmable geometry.

Toward fully processable micro-supercapacitors

Micro-supercapacitors are attracting increasing attention due to their potential applications in multiple real-world energy scenarios such as wearable electronic devices, powering the internet of things, and medical applications. While tremendous efforts are being made in the performance enhancement, one of the bottleneck issues inhibiting their upscaling is the complicated manufacturing process. In this issue of Joule, Bruce Dunn and colleagues demonstrated a fully processable micro-supercapacitor engaging a photopatternable hydroxide ion conducting solid electrolyte, which is thermally and dimensionally stable with a high conductivity of 10 mS cm−1.The micro-supercapacitor composites of VN and NiCo2O4 electrodes and the [AMIM][OH]/SU-8 hydroxide-conducting solid electrolyte show high areal capacitance of 250 mF cm−2 at 20 mV s−1 sweep rate, which is one of the highest performances among reported results. Micro-supercapacitors are attracting increasing attention due to their potential applications in multiple real-world energy scenarios such as wearable electronic devices, powering the internet of things, and medical applications. While tremendous efforts are being made in the performance enhancement, one of the bottleneck issues inhibiting their upscaling is the complicated manufacturing process. In this issue of Joule, Bruce Dunn and colleagues demonstrated a fully processable micro-supercapacitor engaging a photopatternable hydroxide ion conducting solid electrolyte, which is thermally and dimensionally stable with a high conductivity of 10 mS cm−1.The micro-supercapacitor composites of VN and NiCo2O4 electrodes and the [AMIM][OH]/SU-8 hydroxide-conducting solid electrolyte show high areal capacitance of 250 mF cm−2 at 20 mV s−1 sweep rate, which is one of the highest performances among reported results. Photopatternable hydroxide ion electrolyte for solid-state micro-supercapacitorsChoi et al.JouleJuly 23, 2021In BriefOne potential direction for achieving better integration with miniaturized electronics is to develop a photopatternable electrochemical energy storage system. To meet this objective, a photopatternable hydroxide-conducting electrolyte was developed via covalent grafting of polymerizable cations onto photopatternable polymer hosts, followed by anion exchange to incorporate hydroxides. The resulting solid electrolyte is thermally and dimensionally stable and has high hydroxide ion conductivity. For device integration, the hydroxide-conducting solid electrolyte was directly patterned onto vanadium nitride micro-supercapacitor electrodes. Full-Text PDF

Designing cross‐linked pyrrole‐thieno [3,4‐ b ] thiophene copolymer to push forward electrochemical performance and access flexible micro‐supercapacitor with ultra‐long cycling stability

While higher high specific surface area allows micro-supercapacitor (MSC) electrode materials to have improved performance, it also tends to make them less stable thermodynamically and microstructurally, which can easily deteriorate and seriously affects their service life. So here, we have chosen a cross-linked copolymer film structure as MSC electrodes. The pyrrole-thieno [3,4-b] thiophene (TbT) copolymer film (namely PPy-co-TbT) exhibits high specific capacity, which can reach 47.8 mF cm−2 (a specific volumetric capacitance of 23.9 F cm−3 and a specific gravimetric capacitance of 28.1 F g−1) at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 using LiCl/PVA gel electrolyte with ultra-long cycling stability (capacitance retention after 50 000 charge/discharge cycles is still higher than 93%, which is the leading level in MSCs). The electrochemical performance of this cross-linked copolymer is superior to that of the single-component polymer, achieving a 1 + 1 > 2 effect. Both features of cross-linking and copolymerization have positive effects on microelectrodes requiring stable microstructures and high performance. The structurally stable cross-linked copolymer obtained by copolymerization design may become a durable material for next generation ultra-long-life, high-performance micro-supercapacitor electrodes and will be widely developed. Highlights The electrochemical performance of the cross-linked copolymer electrode reaches 1 + 1 > 2. A pioneering cross-linked copolymer was designed to prolong the stability of microsupercapacitor. Capacitance retention rate is still higher than 93% after 50 000 cycles, which is in the leading position. Provides an important thought for the manufacture of ultra-long-life microsupercapacitor.

Tailoring the defects of two-dimensional borocarbonitride nanomesh for high energy density micro-supercapacitor

The development of high-performance micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) highlights two-dimensional (2D) carbon materials with pseudocapacitive charge storage capacity. However, improving the electrochemical performances of these electrode materials is still challenging. Here, we synthesized 2D borocarbonitride nanomesh (BCNN) by carbonizng gel precursor of milk powder and boron oxide in 700, 800, and 900 °C, respectively, denoted as BCNN700, BCNN800, and BCNN900, as electrode for MSCs. By tailoring defects and atomic contents of BCNN, the areal capacitance increases from 30.5 mF cm−2 for BCNN700-MSCs to 80.1 mF cm−2 for BCNN900-MSCs with a hydrogel electrolyte. Notably, BCNN900-MSCs can provide a high energy density of 67.6 mWh cm−3with an ion-gel electrolyte, efficiently powering a liquid crystal display for 328 s. In addition, a first principles simulation verifies the effects of the dopants and pores on improving the total capacitance of BCNN by enhancing qauntam capacitance. Therefore, BCNN exhibits tremendous potential for applying on future energy storage devices.

Scalable fabrication of vanadium carbide/graphene electrodes for high-energy and flexible microsupercapacitors

In-plane microsupercapacitors (MSCs) hold great promise for microscale power source, due to the extremely high power density and ultra-long cycling life. However, the scalable fabrication of flexible MSCs with high energy density remains a major challenge. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of vanadium carbide/reduced graphene oxide (V8C7/rGO) MSCs via laser scribing on ammonium metavanadate/graphene oxide (NH4VO3/GO) films, prepared by efficient continuous centrifugal casting method. More than 20 MSCs can be produced on a flexible substrate in 30 min, showing the potential for scalable fabrication. The laser-induced V8C7/rGO shows highly porous microstructure, where vanadium carbide nanoparticles are in-situ synthesized and uniformly decorated on graphene nanosheets. The well-defined architecture endows V8C7/rGO MSCs with excellent electrochemical performance. The areal capacitance of these devices can be as high as 49.5 mF cm−2, 11 times higher than that of rGO MSCs. The volumetric energy density and power density can be up to 3.4 mWh cm−3 and 401 mW cm−3, respectively, competitive with the commercially available energy storage devices and most reported MSCs. In addition, V8C7/rGO MSCs show excellent flexibility and integrability, as well as long cycling life, promising for practical applications.

Recovering renewable carbon materials from automotive shredder residue (ASR) for micro-supercapacitor electrodes

Carbons utilised in the energy applications are often produced from non-renewable sources in harsh environments. By leveraging high temperature reactions, this study used thermal transformation to recover useful carbon materials from wood and plastic components of automotive shredder residue (ASR) and tune their properties in situ via selective thermal synthesis. The properties of the recovered activated carbon have been investigated over a range of temperatures between 600 and 1000 °C. The recovered activated carbon product presented a micro- and mesoporous structure which have the highest specific surface area of 1180 m2g-1. The electrochemical-capacitance performance of the activated carbon in electrochemical double layered capacitor (EDLC) electrodes was characterised using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The ASR derived activated carbon shows excellent specific capacitance of 275 F g−1 at a 5 mV s−1 scan rate by the CV method and 280 Fg-1 at 1 Ag-1 current density by the GCD method in a KOH (2M) electrolyte. This study demonstrates a facile way to recover the renewable carbon materials from a problematic and toxic waste streams. This pathway offers industry a feasible and sustainable source of carbons, while eliminating the lost of the valuable raw materials by landfilling.