Green synthesized carbon aerogel for electric double layer capacitor

As new-generation biomass-derived carbon materials, carbon aerogels offer opportunities in supercapacitor applications. Owing to their excellent properties viz., a synergy of unique interconnected hierarchical porous structure, high specific surface area (SSA), and electrical conductivity they prove their candidature in electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs). In this article, we represent a green synthesis of carbon aerogel using sugarcane juice as a carbon source via cost effective hydrothermal method instead of the traditional supercritical drying method which is more toxic, time-consuming, and expensive. The structural and compositional studies confirm the formation of Sugar Aerogel (SA). Additionally, the surface analysis shows the interconnected porous scoop-like structure with a high SSA of 2028 m2/g and a low bulk density of 0.08 g/cc. Furthermore, the synthesized powder was screen printed on flexible stainless-steel mesh to conduct electrochemical study at various Na2SO4 electrolyte concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 M). In 1.0 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, the SA showed 70% retention rate after 5500 cycles at 30 mA/cm2 current density over 1.9V potential window and also provides high energy density and power density 61.72 Wh/kg and 1588.33 W/kg respectively. Also, the SA||SA device exhibits stability over 1000 cycles with a 30% increment in capacitance with energy and power density 86 Wh/kg and 7920 W/kg. This study signifies the great potential of sugarcane juice to get SA via a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly hydrothermal route for the fabrication of SC electrodes in neutral electrolyte Na2SO4.