Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Fabrication of biomass-derived porous carbon for electrochemical capacitors Nonjabulo P.D. Ngidi 1* , Andrei F. Koekemoer 2 and Siyabonga S. Ndlela 1 1 Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Campus, P. O. Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa 2 Sasol, 1 Klasie Havenga Street, P. O. Box 1183, Sasolburg, 1947, South Africa *E-mail: nonjabulongidi@gmail.com Energy security issues and environmental concerns related to fossil fuels have intensified global efforts to adopt renewable energy sources. However, the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources creates a demand for reliable energy storage systems [1] . Among the energy storage systems, electrochemical capacitors (ECs) have gained significant attention due to their fast-charging capability and high power density. Despite these advantages, ECs suffer from low energy density, which limits their capacitance. Consequently, recent advancements in electrode materials, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials, have shown potential to improve EC performance. However, challenges such as the environmental impact of production and high synthesis costs remain significant drawbacks [2] . Porous carbon materials have emerged as a versatile and effective option for EC electrodes, offering large surface areas, tunable pore structures, excellent electrical conductivity, chemical stability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. In particular, advanced porous carbon materials derived from carbon-rich biomass precursors are notable for their controllable pore structures and high surface areas [3] . In this work, the reaction conditions for the synthesis of biomass-derived porous carbon (BDPC) were optimized. Wood sawdust was used as biomass precursor, initially carbonized to produce biochar and then activated at different temperatures (700, 800 or 900 °C) using various activation agents. The activation temperature was found to significantly influence the morphology, specific surface area, and electrochemical performance of BDPC. Additionally, the concentration of the most effective activation agent was varied to determine optimal conditions for maximizing surface area and conductivity. This research demonstrates how variations in activation temperature, types of activation agents, and agent concentrations impact the surface area, electrical conductivity, and capacitance of BDPC materials. Key words: Biomass; Porous carbon; Surface area; Porosity; Electrochemical capacitors References 1. Dehghani-Sanij, A. R., Tharumalingam, E., Dusseault, M. B., Fraser, R., 2019. Renew. Sust. Energ . Rev. 104. 192-208. 2. Zhang, H., Yang, D., Lau, A., Ma, T., Lin, H., Jia, B., 2021. Small . 17 . 2007311. 3. Lu, S., Xiao, Q., Yang, W., Wang, X., Guo, T., Xie, Q., Ruan, Y., 2024. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 258 . 128794
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