Synthesis characterisation and electrochemical studies of different biomass derived carbon and its applications

Abstract

From energy storage to environmental protection and technological innovation, materials play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting sustainability. The extensive use of fossil fuels to meet human needs has led to depletion. Currently, electrochemical energy storage devices are increasing their presence from small consumer electronics to electric vehicles. Carbon is one of the constitute of used in storage devices, which is derived from fossil fuels. However, the fossil sources are exhaustible, require harsh chemical surface treatments, and are not sustainable in the long term. In contrast, biomass or biowaste, such as crop residues, lignocellulosic waste, and algal biomass, is a viable alternative. These materials are abundant and offer huge potential as renewable energy sources, making them an excellent substitute for fossil fuels. newlineIn the first part, I synthesised carbon from low-cost and rich fibrous biowaste, sterculia foetida fruit shell. The synthesized hetero atom doped Carbon exhibited an outstanding discharge capacity of 425 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 with a good cycling stability of 310 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g-1. In continuation, another low-cost biomass precursor Vigna mungo (black gram whole skin or shells) was selected. I have derived Carbon and studied the synergic effects of nitrogen/phosphorous co-doping in Carbon skeleton for energy storage applications. The hetero-atom co-doping in activated carbon showed a higher specific capacitance of 425 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and cyclability of about 92.5% capacitance retention even after 5000 cycles. In addition, the co-doped sample showed a higher lithium-ion storage capability of 750 mAh g-1 capacity at 0.1 A g-1 with a reversible capacity of 687 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles. newline