A versatile biomass derived carbon material for oxygen reduction reaction, supercapacitors and oil/water separation

Abstract

Directly pyrolyzing biowastes has attracted intensive interest, probably because this economical and facile method provides an efficient and versatile platform for synthesizing functional carbons. This study describes the synthesis of different functional carbons from poplar catkins via different processes for multipurpose applications. Nitrogen and oxygen dual-doped carbon (NODC-800) derived from catkins delivers superior electrochemical characteristics as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst in alkaline fuel cell to that of commercial Pt/C in terms of catalytic activity, stability, resistance to methanol cross-over and CO poisoning. In addition, NODC-800 exhibits a high capacity (~ 251 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) with nearly 100% retention rate after 1000 cycles as supercapacitors electrodes. An oleophylic carbon aerogel derived from catkins is proven to be superoleophilic and porous enough to "wet" with oils and organic liquids and repel water completely to achieve oil/water separation. This work is a successful case to take full advantage of raw materials from nature via multiple technologies to achieve energy sustainable development and protect environmental from oils and organic solvents spill.

Sustainable Utilization of Biomass Refinery Wastes for Accessing Activated Carbons and Supercapacitor Electrode Materials

“…The specific capacitance of Chem-900-2( Figure 1a good cycling stability of the Chem-900-2e lectrode material, with ac apacitance retention of approximately 92 %a fter 10 000 charge/discharge cyclesc onducted at 10 Ag À1 within the potential window À1a nd À0.1 Vi nathree-electrode system ( Figure 1d). [49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Apparently,t he high capacitance of Chem-900-2 carbon can be attributed to its advantageous micro-/mesoporous structure. Probably,t he slight decrease in capacitance was caused by spontaneous formation of cracks and exfoliationo ft he electrode active mass at some surface segments as ar esult of gas evolution.…”

“…Probably,t he slight decrease in capacitance was caused by spontaneous formation of cracks and exfoliationo ft he electrode active mass at some surface segments as ar esult of gas evolution. [62] The majority of carbon materials described in thel iterature [49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] have microporouss tructures, whicha re responsible for the high SSA BET values. [49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61] Apparently,t he high capacitance of Chem-900-2 carbon can be attributed to its advantageous micro-/mesoporous structure.…”

The synthesis and performance analysis of various biomass‐based carbon materials for electric double‐layer capacitors: A review

“…As can be seen from the above, the screening of various kinds of electrode materials and the exploration of different kinds of carbonization methods are the key factors to improve the electrochemical property of EDLCs. In terms of the properties of the carbon materials, SSA, distribution of pore size and heteroatom doping are related to each other, which has a significantly important effect on the electrode properties of carbon materials . In the actual operation process, how to rationally select the raw materials and preparation methods, as well as optimize the influencing factors are worth considering.…”

Poplar‐Catkin‐Derived N, P Co‐doped Carbon Microtubes as Efficient Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zn‐Air Batteries

“…Thus far, some studies have reported the preparation of N‐doped carbon materials from bio‐waste . Nonetheless, the development of binary heteroatom‐doped carbon‐based ORR electrocatalysts, especially from polar catkins, has seldom been reported …”