Sonication-assisted activation of empty fruit bunches to produce activated carbon for supercapacitor's electrodes: Surface chemistry and morphology characterization
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Thermochemical treatment of empty fruit bunches (EFBs) is the fastest way of converting this agro-industrial waste into value. Two step carbonization and activation was used to convert the EFB to activated carbon, and further sonication and centrifugation was used to further reduce the particle size and increase the porosity. Hydrothermal carbonization was done at 225 to 275oC; at retention time of 1 to 3h. Activation was done at 800oC for 1h, using KOH at two different concentrations as activating agent. The FTIR of all samples shows activation with the increased of intensity of –C=C- stretching vibration, =C-H bending vibration and -C-H the bending vibration at 1615, 1505 and 1216cm-1 respectively; and the formation of new peaks at 714cm-1 associating to –C-H bending vibration and =CH2 wagging vibration common with activated carbon. The samples also experienced change in colorations with the degree coloration increases with the time and temperature of the reaction. The specific surface area was measured using BET and maximum surface of 1375.26m2/g was obtained when the biomass was carbonized at 275oC for 1h, and activated at 800oC using KOH at a concentration of 1:1 to the biochar. The corresponding pore diameter and volume at this optimum condition were 3.32nm and 0.73cm3/g respectively, given the material a high specific surface for electronic and ionic diffusions.
Source: Heliyon
Institutions: University of Buea, Moi University, University of Arizona
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,100
OpenAlex ID: W4403139666