Performance Optimization of Biomass-Derived EDLC Using KOH-Activated Salak Peel Carbon
Aprillia Dwi Ardianti, Aminatun, Herri Trilaksana

Airlangga University

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy storage systems has accelerated the development of biomass derived carbon materials as eco friendly alternatives for supercapacitor electrodes. This study explores salak peel waste as a novel precursor for activated carbon and establishes a clear relationship between carbonization temperature, pore structure, and electrochemical performance in electric double layer capacitor systems.

Activated carbon was synthesized via KOH activation followed by carbonization at 500 C, 600 C, and 700 C. Structural and electrochemical properties were evaluated using SEM, XRD, and electrochemical measurements. The results demonstrate that increasing carbonization temperature significantly enhances pore development and charge storage capability. The sample prepared at 700 C achieved optimal performance with porosity of 57.1 percent, pore volume of 48.51 x 10 3 cm3 per g, and capacitance of 198.04 uF. SEM images reveal a well distributed porous network, while XRD confirms a predominantly amorphous carbon structure with improved ordering. In addition, self discharge analysis indicates enhanced charge retention with a minimum voltage decay of 0.47 V.

These findings highlight the critical role of thermal treatment in tailoring electrochemically active surfaces and optimizing ion transport pathways. The strong structure property correlation demonstrated in this study provides a scientific basis for designing high performance biomass based electrodes.

This work positions salak peel waste as a sustainable and efficient carbon source and contributes to the advancement of green supercapacitor technologies through scalable and environmentally responsible material design.

Keywords: Biomass-derived carbon, Electric double-layer capacitor, Activated carbon, Salak peel waste, Sustainable energy storage

Topic: Material Physics