3D meso/macroporous carbon from MgO-templated pyrolysis of waste plastic as an efficient electrode for supercapacitors

Authors

Shaoqin Chen, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Siyuan Fang, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Aniqa Ibnat Lim, University of Houston
Jiming Bao, University of Houston
Yun Hang Hu, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2023

Department

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Abstract

Converting waste plastic into valuable carbon materials as the electrode for supercapacitors represents a sustainable way to deal with the severe waste plastic-related environmental issues. However, ideal carbon materials for supercapacitors require not only a large specific surface area but also abundant meso/macropores, which is still challenging for conventional synthesis methods. Herein, MgO-templated pyrolysis with chemical activation was demonstrated as an effective approach to convert waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles into 3D meso/macroporous carbon (MMPC) with both large total surface area (1863.55 m2/g) and meso/macropore surface area (1478.46 m2/g). Furthermore, it exhibited a high capacitance of 191.4 F/g and an excellent rate capability (86.3% retention from 0.5 to 10 A/g) for supercapacitor. This work provides not only a facile approach to synthesize 3D meso/macroporous carbon materials but also a sustainable way to mitigate plastic-derived pollution.

Publication Title

Chemosphere

Recommended Citation

Chen, S., Fang, S., Lim, A., Bao, J., & Hu, Y. (2023). 3D meso/macroporous carbon from MgO-templated pyrolysis of waste plastic as an efficient electrode for supercapacitors. Chemosphere, 322. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138174
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/16964