A two-step method for the preparation of high performance corncob-based activated carbons as supercapacitor electrodes using ammonium chloride as a pore forming additive

Publication date: October 2018Source: New Carbon Materials, Volume 33, Issue 5Author(s): Qing-ling WEI, Zhi-min CHEN, Xiao-feng WANG, Xiao-min YANG, Zi-chen WANGAbstractActivated carbons were prepared from corncobs by an initial hydrothermal treatment using ammonium chloride as a pore forming additive and then by KOH activation. Samples were characterized by SEM, XRD, TG analysis and nitrogen adsorption. The effects of preparation conditions on the iodine number, yield and their electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrodes were investigated. Results indicate that NH4 Cl is helpful for the formation of activated carbons with a hierarchical pore structure. The best activated carbon prepared has a good rate performance with a capacitance of 175 F·g−1 at 0. 5 A·g−1 and a capacity retention ratio of 73.0% at 20 A·g−1, and a good cycling stability with a specific capacity change from 175 to 173 F·g−1 after a 10 000 charge/discharge test.Graphical abstractA sustainable hydrothermal method for preparation of activated carbon (AC) was proposed by using corncob as raw material and ammonium chloride as pore forming additive. The AC possessed hierarchical porous structure, and exhibited good electrochemical performance.

Source: New Carbon Materials - October 30, 2018 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research