Comparation of Activated Carbon Electrodes from Natural Materials for Supercapacitor Applications in Energy Storage Systems

Abstract

This study presents the fabrication of activated carbon (AC) electrodes derived from natural materials for high-performance supercapacitor applications. Five types of biomass were used as carbon precursors: bamboo, rain tree wood, tiger grass, redwood, and litchi wood, respectively. The activated carbon was prepared via physical activation at 800 °C for 2 h. under an argon atmosphere. Structural, morphological, and elemental properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Electrochemical performance was evaluated through charge–discharge testing. The results reveal that the synthesized carbon exhibits an amorphous structure with characteristic peaks at (002) and (101) planes. SEM images show irregular porous structures with rough surfaces, contributing to high surface area. EDX analysis confirms high carbon purity (~99 wt%). The electrochemical measurements demonstrate a maximum specific capacitance of 50.50 F g−1 at a constant current of 20 mA.