Controlling and optimizing the morphology and microstructure of 3D interconnected activated carbons for high...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Electrode material morphology and porous structure significantly impact supercapacitor performance.
• Developing advanced carbon materials is crucial for efficient electrochemical energy storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize 3D interconnected activated carbons with controlled morphology and porous structures.
• To optimize these materials for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal carbonization of accessible carbon sources and graphene oxide.
• Post-synthesis activation to tailor porous structure and surface area.
• Fabrication and testing of symmetric supercapacitors using the synthesized electrode material.

Main Results:

• Achieved a specific surface area of 2318 m² g⁻¹, a meso-/macro-pore ratio of 63.2% (volume 0.83 cm³ g⁻¹), and electrical conductivity of 46.6 S m⁻¹.
• Demonstrated a specific capacitance of 157 F g⁻¹ in an organic electrolyte at 0.5 A g⁻¹.
• Exhibited an energy density of 37.6 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 7.1 kW kg⁻¹, with 94% capacitance retention over 7000 cycles.

Conclusions:

• The optimized 3D activated carbons provide a practical route for high-efficiency electrochemical energy storage.
• Controlled morphology and porous structure are key to achieving superior supercapacitor performance.
• The developed materials show promise for advanced energy storage devices.