Journal of Surface Science and Engineering (한국표면공학회지)

The Korean Institute of Surface Engineering (한국표면공학회)
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The optimal synthesis of activated carbon for supercapacitors via controlled ratios of Polyvinylidene chloride-resin precursor and ZnO agent

Polyvinylidene chloride-resin 전구체와 ZnO 활성화제 비율 제어를 통한 슈퍼커패시터용 활성탄 전극 특성 최적화 연구

  • Sang-Eun Chun (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyungpook National University)
  • 전상은 (경북대학교 첨단소재공학부)
  • Received : 2024.08.07
  • Accepted : 2024.09.10
  • Published : 2024.10.31
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Abstract

Supercapacitors as energy storage devices require specific capacitance and rate capability improvements to achieve high energy and power densities. Activated carbon, commonly used as an electrode for supercapacitors, should have a porous structure for high capacitance and the large mesopores for high power. This study aims to produce mesoporous carbon for supercapacitors from the mixture of polyvinylidene chloride-resin (PVDC-resin) precursor and ZnO activating agent at a controlled mixing ratio via heat treatment. To synthesize porous carbon with high specific capacitance and high rate performance, PVDC-resin and ZnO were mixed in various ratios and activated at 950℃. Analysis of the pore structure and surface area of the synthesized carbon samples showed that the specific surface area and the amounts of micropores and mesopores also increased with more ZnO agents. Notably, the porous carbon synthesized from PVDC-resin to ZnO at a 2:3 ratio exhibited a high specific capacitance of 125 F g-1 and excellent rate performance of 74%, demonstrating its potential as an optimal supercapacitor electrode material based on its surface area and mesoporous structure. This study identifies the optimal mixing ratio of PVDC-resin precursor and ZnO activator for the economical and efficient synthesis of activated carbon.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 성과는 2022년도 과학기술정보통신부의 재원으로 한국연구재단의 지원을 받아 수행된 연구임 (NRF-2022R1A2C1009922)

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