Structural Analysis of Palm Kernel Shell-Derived Biomass as a Carbon-Based Anode Material for Dual Carbon Battery

Abstract

Palm kernel shell (PKS), a renewable biomass waste product of the palm oil industry, offers significant potential for use as a carbon-based anode material in dual carbon batteries (DCBs). This study investigates the structural properties of PKSC after several treatments by varying the temperature. The PKSC samples were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM results showed a clear relationship between increased pyrolysis temperature and improved porosity. XRD analysis confirmed the dominance of amorphous carbon across all samples, with higher treatment temperatures leading to greater carbonization. FTIR analysis highlighted significant changes in the chemical structure of the samples. The enhanced porosity, high carbon content, and favourable functional group composition support ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly, high-performance energy storage systems utilizing biomass-derived carbon materials.