Characterization and Analysis of Activated Carbon from Coconut Shells Applied to Supercapacitors

Abstract

Activated carbon is used materials as an electrode for supercapacitors. The aim of this research is to characterize and analyze activated carbon for results with high specific surface area, chemical resistance, electrical conductivity, and affordability. The pyrolysis technique is used in the activation process to remove water content and achieve optimal carbonization at an activation temperature of 600°C. For chemical activation, the carbon is immersed in 10% KOH and 10% Na2CO3 activating agents. The X-RD results in crystalline phases of graphite at peaks 25° and 44°, showing diffraction peaks of carbon and graphite. SEM characterization microstructure morphology at 3000 times magnification, with a 10 µm image size, the formation of porosity that carbon activation. The iodine adsorption measurement KOH-activated carbon sample is 630.70 mg/g, and Na2CO3 activation at 567.89 mg/g. Conductivity measurement results indicate that the conductivity values of activated carbon with the addition of KOH and Na2CO3 activation, measuring 1724.10 S/m and 1660.60 S/m.