Coin-Cell Electric Double-Layer Capacitors with African Palm Kernel Activated Carbon Under Series and Parallel...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.
• Interest in green materials with high-power density for energy storage applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the electrochemical and electrical performance of supercapacitors using activated carbon from palm kernel shell.
• Investigate the impact of different activation agents (KOH and ZnCl2) and nitric acid modification.

Main Methods:

• Two types of activated carbon were prepared from palm kernel shell using KOH and ZnCl2 as activating agents at 700 °C.
• Superficial modification of activated carbons with nitric acid.
• Electrochemical characterization of coin-cell supercapacitors with activated carbon electrodes.
• Electrical characterization through series and parallel arrangements.

Main Results:

• KOH-activated carbon exhibited the highest specific surface area (1181 m² g⁻¹).
• KOH-activated carbon electrodes demonstrated superior electrochemical behavior with an average gravimetric capacitance of 56. ± 9.2 F g⁻¹.
• Specific energy and power densities reached 2.6 Wh kg⁻¹ and 475 W kg⁻¹ (parallel), and 1.8 Wh kg⁻¹ and 353 W kg⁻¹ (series).

Conclusions:

• Palm kernel shell-derived activated carbon, particularly when activated with KOH, shows significant promise for high-performance supercapacitors.
• The material's properties support its use in sustainable energy storage technologies.
• Optimized activation and modification methods can enhance energy and power densities for practical applications.