Sakura-based activated carbon preparation and its performance in supercapacitor applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Developing sustainable and high-performance electrode materials is crucial for advanced energy storage devices.
• Traditional carbon materials often require complex synthesis or expensive precursors.
• Biomass-derived carbons offer a promising alternative due to their abundance and environmental benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize 3D porous carbonaceous materials from sakura petals for supercapacitor applications.
• To investigate the electrochemical properties of sakura-derived porous carbon as an electrode material.
• To evaluate the performance and stability of supercapacitors fabricated using this novel material.

Main Methods:

• Sakura petals were pre-carbonized and then activated using potassium hydroxide (KOH).
• The optimal KOH to sakura carbon (SC) mass ratio (4:1) was determined for activation.
• Electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The synthesized porous sakura carbon (SAC-4) exhibited a high specific surface area and suitable pore structure.
• The material showed a low proportion of oxygen-rich and N functional groups with a partially graphitized phase.
• A maximal specific capacitance of 265.8 F g⁻¹ was achieved at 0.2 A g⁻¹.
• Excellent capacitance retention (90.2%) after 2000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹ demonstrated superior cycling stability.

Conclusions:

• Porous carbon derived from sakura petals is a viable and eco-friendly electrode material for supercapacitors.
• The synthesis method combining pre-carbonization and KOH activation yields materials with excellent electrochemical properties.
• This research highlights the potential of utilizing floral biomass for sustainable energy storage solutions.