A multi-level structure bio-carbon composite with polyaniline for high performance supercapacitors

Abstract

A novel activated carbon material with a multi-level structure is prepared by KOH-activation of chestnut shells at 800 °C (CAC8). The specific surface area and pore volume of the activated carbon obtained are as high as 1568.0 m² g⁻¹ and 0.94 cm³ g⁻¹. The electrochemical performance of the CAC8 is very promising; the specific capacitance is 207 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ in 1 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. A CAC8/PANI composite, which was synthesized through an interfacial polymerization method, presents a good electrochemical performance, including an excellent specific capacitance of 597 F g⁻¹ and 80% retention of capacitance after 1000 cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ in 1 M H₂SO₄ electrolyte. The high electrochemical performance can be due to the use of the multi-level structured carbon, which improves the charge transfer performance of CAC8/PANI composite materials.