Multifunctional Carbon Aerogels Derived by Sol–Gel Process of Natural Polysaccharides of Different Botanical Origin

Abstract

In this manuscript, we describe the results of our recent studies on carbon aerogels derived from natural starches. A facile method for the fabrication of carbon aerogels is presented. Moreover, the complete analysis of the carbonization process of different starch aerogels (potato, maize, and rice) was performed using thermogravimetric studies combined with a detailed analysis of evolved decomposition products. The prepared carbon aerogels were studied in terms of their morphology and electrical properties to relate the origin of starch precursor with final properties of carbon materials. The obtained results confirmed the differences in carbon aerogels’ morphology, especially in materials’ specific surface areas, depending on the botanical origin of precursors. The electrical conductivity measurements suggest that carbon aerogels with the best electrical properties can be obtained from potato starch.

Biomass-Derived Porous Carbon Materials for Supercapacitor

“…The relatively large SSA and rich porous structure endowed the electrode materials with a high capacitance (265.4 F/g at 1 A/g) and excellent rate capacitance (137 F/g at 100 A/g). Hence, carbon derived by different botanical origin would influence the electrochemical performance of the products, and this was verified by Bakierska (Bakierska et al, 2017). In addition, hydrothermal treatment of starch is useful for improving the hydrophilic of carbon materials by introducing the oxygen-containing functional group.…”

A Strategy to Optimize the Performance of Bio-Derived Carbon Aerogels by a Structuring Additive

“…The modified carbon aerogels, based on potato starch (Sigma Aldrich, Saint Louis, MO, USA), were obtained via a gelatinization process described in detail in our previous work [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. A gum arabic (Avantor Performance Materials Poland S.A., Gliwice, Poland, 99%), as a structuring additive, was introduced during starch hydrogel preparation, in quantities of 1% w / w , 5% w / w , 10% w / w and 20% w / w .…”

“…Nonetheless, these applied in Li-ion cells as negative electrode can also often require a high pressure synthesis condition [ 7 ]; complex, multi-step treatment [ 11 ]; or very high temperatures during thermal treatment [ 11 , 13 ]. Therefore, among them, the interesting direction in Li-ion batteries studies is the application of starch-based carbon aerogels (CAGs), and what is associated with their unique features that make them competitive for energy storage systems in terms of their properties, economy and ecology [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. They are obtained through eco-friendly, water-based synthesis.…”

The effect of pulverization methods on the microstructure of stiff, ductile, and flexible carbon aerogels

“…The usage of mortar to obtain pulverized carbon aerogel has also been investigated [13]. The research group of Leventis introduced laser micromachining method to cut aerogel monoliths into small pieces [14].…”