The effect of activation temperature on the structural properties and the electrochemical performance of KOH-activated carbon xerogel was investigated in range of 700 to 1000 ∘ C. At a high temperature (1000 ∘ C), the chemical activation regenerated a more crystalline network structure of activated carbon xerogels, which was observed by Raman, XRD, and TEM images. Additionally, SEM images, BET, BJH, and -plot were used to study the structural properties of carbon xerogels. The carbon xerogel sample activated at 900 ∘ C was found with the most appropriate structure, which has the high micropore area and a more-balanced porosity between the micropores and mesopores, for using as an electrode material. The highest obtained specific capacitance value was 270 Fg −1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte at scan rate of 5 mVs −1 from the cyclic voltammetry.

Glacial acetic acid was used as a catalyst in the preparation process of carbon xerogels from the condensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde for shortening significantly the gelation time. The effect of the resorcinol/catalyst ratio over a large range of 2 to 500, the solvent exchange manner with acetone, and the pyrolysis temperature of 700 to 1000 ∘ C on the characteristic properties of the carbon xerogels were investigated. A resorcinol/catalyst ratio of 2 and a pyrolysis temperature at 800 ∘ C were found to be the optimal condition for the preparation of carbon xerogels with a well-balanced porosity between micro-and mesopores, high surface area (577.62 m 2 g −1 ), and large pore volume (0.97 cm 3 g −1 ), which are appropriate for use as electrode materials in an electrical double-layer capacitor. The carbon xerogel electrodes that were prepared under these optimal conditions exhibited a good electrochemical performance with the highest specific capacitance of 169 Fg −1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte at a scan rate of 5 mVs −1 from cyclic voltammetry.