CO2 outperforms KOH as an activator for high-rate supercapacitors in aqueous electrolyte

Although high-surface area activated carbons used as supercapacitor (SC) electrodes are frequently produced by KOH activation, this study shows that, when aqueous electrolytes used, CO2 activation is a better choice from the point of view SC performance, environment and economy. Ordered mesoporous (OMCs) mechanochemical synthesis method mimosa tannin with to use these materials for SCs. A comparative analysis same OMCs but presented examine effect process on performance. KOH-activated exhibit good electrochemical performance at low charging rates, reaching specific cell capacitance values 49 F g−1 0.5 Ag−1, however, restricted access microporosity water affinity reduces their high rates. In contrast, best performing CO2-activated material can retain 81% 20 g−1, compared 25% OMC similar properties tested under conditions. thorough review open literature suggests that would produce suitable combination pore network connectivity affinity, resulting in SCs rate capability an electrolyte. These conclusions were drawn judiciously integrating of: (i) hysteresis loop scanning N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms; (ii) adsorption isotherms tools more accurately assess materials, which not generally considered studying