Effect of chemical activation agents on properties of durian peel-derived activated carbon for high-energy supercapacitor applications

To enhance the potential of sustainable energy utilization using waste-derived materials in Southeast Asia. This work investigates the effect of physical and electrochemical properties of durian peel derived graphitic activated carbon for high performance energy storage applications. The activating agents KOH, NaOH, H 3 PO 4 and H 2 SO 4 (DK, DN, DP, and DS) resulted in surface areas of 1010, 836, 41 and 10 m 2 g −1 . The surface area of the electrodes is playing the significant role in specific capacitance values. In three-electrode system, DK, DN, DP, and DS electrode's capacitance values are 244.64, 168.57, 120.41 and 133.92 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 . Moreover, the activated carbon from KOH activation agent was fabricated as the anode and cathode for the symmetric supercapacitor device. Furthermore, an assembled device has a maximum capacitance about 142.48 F g −1 with an energy density of 49.0 Wh k g −1 and a power density of 750 W k g −1 at 1 A g −1 . The device also demonstrated outstanding cycle retention about 85.8 % of its initial capacitance after 2000 cycles. Finally, two devices connected in series successfully powered a 1.8 V LED, providing clear proof of concept for the developed supercapacitor system. • Durian peel was converted as the activated carbon by using KOH, NaOH, H 3 PO 4 and H 2 SO 4 . • The DK electrode was fabricated as the anode and cathode for symmetric supercapacitor. • The DK electrode shows maximum Cp and E value of 142.48 F g −1 & 49.0 Wh k g −1 . • The device shows excellent cycle stability of 85.8% aver 2000 cycles.