Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Corncob for High-Performance Electrode Materials for Supercapacitor Applications

The article investigates the synthesis and characterization of activated carbon derived from corncobs, focusing on its potential as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. The study employs chemical activation methods using H3PO4 and KOH, both individually and in combination, to enhance the porous structure and surface area of the activated carbon. The resulting materials, C1 and C2, were subjected to various characterization techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, to evaluate their structural, spectral, and electrochemical properties. The electrochemical performance of the activated carbon was assessed using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The findings reveal that the combined activation method significantly improves the specific surface area, pore structure, and electrochemical properties of the activated carbon. The C2 material, activated with both H3PO4 and KOH, demonstrated superior specific capacitance, energy density, and power density, making it a promising candidate for energy storage applications. The article also provides a comparative analysis with previously reported activated carbon derived from corncobs, underscoring the effectiveness of the dual activation approach. The detailed characterization and performance data presented in this study offer valuable insights into the development of sustainable and high-performance electrode materials for supercapacitors.