Bio-carbon composite for supercapacitor electrodes: Harnessing hydrochar frameworks and bio-tar polymerization

Bio-tar, a promising renewable carbon precursor, has garnered significant attention for its potential in supercapacitor electrode applications. However, the polymerization of bio-tar into carbon presents challenges, particularly in achieving a dense, interconnected pore structure essential for optim...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jixiu Jia, Yuxuan Sun, Lili Huo, Lixin Zhao, Ziyun Liu, Zhidan Liu, Kang Kang, Shuaishuai Zhang, Teng Xie, Yanan Zhao, Zonglu Yao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Fuel Processing Technology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378382025000025
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Summary:Bio-tar, a promising renewable carbon precursor, has garnered significant attention for its potential in supercapacitor electrode applications. However, the polymerization of bio-tar into carbon presents challenges, particularly in achieving a dense, interconnected pore structure essential for optimal electrochemical performance. This study introduced an innovative approach using hydrochar as a framework combined with bio-tar as the carbon source to synthesize bio-carbon composite. The results showed that the prepared bio-carbon exhibited a stable morphological structure in which the hydrochar skeleton supported the wrapping of bio-tar originated carbon, specifically at a hydrochar to bio-tar ratio of 1:6. And it also showed a maximum specific surface area of 2714.27 m2/g, with a mesopore ratio of 68.79 % at an activation temperature of 800 °C. The optimal electrochemical properties were observed at the highest specific capacitance of 340.4 F/g in a three-electrode system under a current density of 0.5 A/g. When assembled into a supercapacitor, the single-pole specific capacitance reached 213.3 F/g at 0.5 A/g. The structure-property relationship suggested that the water contact angle is a key factor influencing the specific capacitance, particularly at high specific surface areas. This study demonstrated an innovative way to prepare sustainable composite bio-carbon material with excellent electrochemical performance.
ISSN:0378-3820