Effect of Microwave-Treatment Power on the Properties of Activated Carbons as Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors

Abstract

Activated carbons (ACs) from petroleum coke by microwave heating KOH activation are treated by microwave to investigate the effect of microwave−treatment power on AC properties. The electrochemical properties of AC electrodes for supercapacitors were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, constant current charge−discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that specific surface area (SBET) and total pore volume of microwave−treated ACs, specific capacitance and energy density of microwave−treated AC electrodes decreased. The electrical conductivity and stability of AC electrodes for supercapacitors were improved. Fast microwave−treatment is an efficient method to obtain suitable ACs for supercapacitors.