Enhanced energy storage: Electrochemical performance of ZnCl2-activated carbon derived from Acacia catechu Bark

Abstract

In this study, Acacia catechu bark was used for the development of advanced supercapacitor negatrode materials through the synthesis of activated carbon via activation and carbonization at varying temperatures (400, 600, 800°C) using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as the activating agent. The as-prepared sample was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The specific surface area was evaluated using Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) analysis, while 3D morphological assembly of the resulting material was assessed by means of the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charging and discharging, electrochemical impedance, were conducted to evaluate the material’s electrochemical performance. The activated carbon prepared at 800°C (BZAC-8) exhibited a specific capacitance of 259.34 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 with excellent capacity retention (92.61 %) and lower impedance. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing Acacia catechu bark-based active carbon as a negatrode material for advanced energy-storing application.