Electrochemical Characterization of a Composite Material Based on Activated Carbon from Palm Shells and Graphene Oxide for Applications in Supercapacitors

Abstract

Agriculture is an important pillar of economic development in Côte d'Ivoire. However, it generates significant amounts of waste, the recovery of which will help combat pollution. Palm nut shells in particular represent an abundant, low-cost resource and excellent precursors for activated carbon that can be used as electrode material in supercapacitors. The objective of this study is to convert palm shell waste into activated charcoal for the fabrication of electrodes that can be used as supercapacitor materials with energy storage capability. In this work, a composite material made from palm nut shell activated carbon and graphene oxide was prepared for use as electrode material. The study of electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy gives promising results for the PALM 75 composite (mass ratio of palm kernel shells/graphene oxide 75/25). Quasi-rectangular voltammograms were obtained, synonymous with electrochemical double-layer behaviour, a maximum specific capacity of 143 F g−1 at a current density of 0.25 A g−1, a maximum energy density of 19.8 Wh kg−1, a maximum power density of 2500 W kg−1, an equivalent series resistance of 0.539 Ω with 100% cyclic stability after 10,000 cycles. This work shows a new way of converting agricultural waste in Côte d'Ivoire.