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Optimizing Electrochemical Performance: A Study of Aqueous Electrolytes with Hemp-Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitors
Author(s)
Klangvijit, Kanisorn
Bowornthommatadsana, Khemjiranee
Phonyiem Reilly, Mayuree
Uwanno, Teerayut
Yordsri, Visittapong
Obata, Michiko
Fujishige, Masatsugu
Takeuchi, Kenji
Date Issued
February 25, 2025
Type
Article
Abstract
This work investigates the synthesis and electrochemical performance of hemp-derived activated carbon (HAC) for supercapacitor electrode applications. HAC was prepared through NaOH chemical activation, and its electrochemical characteristics were evaluated using three different electrolytes: acidic (H2SO4), neutral (Na2SO4), and basic (KOH). The specific surface area of HAC was found to be exceptionally high, measuring 2612 m2/g, surpassing that of commercially available activated carbon (AC). Surface analysis revealed the presence of an oxygen functional group, which provided additional pseudocapacitive active sites. When 1 M H2SO4 was employed as the electrolyte, HAC demonstrated a maximum specific capacitance of 594 F/g (302.4 F/cm3) at a current density of 0.3 A/g. Notably, the HAC electrode exhibited significantly higher energy density and power density, reaching values of 82 Wh/kg (135.7 mWh/cm3) and 188 W/kg (311 mW/cm3), respectively, when compared to commercial AC. These results highlight the potential of HAC as a cost-effective and high-performance electrode material, particularly when paired with H2SO4 as the electrolyte due to their ideal micropore/mesopore ratio for H2SO4 electrolyte access.
Citation
ACS Omega, 10(7), 6601-6614, 2025