A high temperature slow pyrolytic synthesis of Matteuccia struthiopteris derived activated carbon for...

The underexplored precursor Matteuccia struthiopteris (MS) is promising biomass source, has not previously been reported for the synthesis of an activated carbon for supercapacitor application. This study highlights the use of FeCl₂ as a cost-effective and readily available activating agent for the synthesis of high surface area activated carbon (AC) of around ~ 1110.6 m² g^-1. This research successfully constructed a prototype supercapacitor, utilizing the AC derived from MS as the electrode material. The finding utilizes standard polymer electrolyte system, comprising PVdF-HFP combined with 1 M NaClO₄ solution in equal ratio of EC-PC (v/v) to calculate supercapacitor's performance. Extensive electrochemical analyses, including EIS, CV and GCD techniques, were used to verify supercapacitor's capabilities. The results indicate a gravimetric specific capacitance (C_sp) of 122.47 F g^-1 at a current density of 1 mA cm^-2 for Cell#2 using PC-AC as the electrode material and the Volumetric Specific capacitance (C_sp^(v)) is 10.65 F cm^-3. Additionally, Cell#2 displays an energy density of approximately 17.01 Wh kg^-1, and a specific power of about 815.39 W kg^-1. Moreover, Cell#2 retaining approximately 72% of their initial capacitance after 2000 charge/discharge cycles recorded at 2 A g^-1. These findings not only showcase the immense potential of the MS as a sustainable biomass source but also directed the way for the development of high-performance, eco-friendly and cutting-edge energy storage technology that contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.