Synthesis and Characterization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch-Activated Carbon for Battery Electrodes

Abstract

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of the oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB)-activated carbon were studied for battery electrode applications. First, chemical activation was carried out by varying concentrations and immersion times of NaOH and KOH. Then, the physical activation was studied using variations of activation temperature. The activator solution of KOH 2 M showed the highest surface area of 354.25 m²g⁻¹, specific capacitance of 116.78 F.g⁻¹, and potential of 1.17 V. Furthermore, the optimal immersion time was 18 h with the highest surface area of 380.28 m²g⁻¹, specific capacitance of 96.57 F.g⁻¹, and the potential of 1.05 V. Finally, the optimal activation temperature is 900°C, which showed the highest surface area of 334.28 m²g⁻¹, specific capacitance of 96.41 F.g⁻¹, and the potential of 1.12 V. Based on this report, OPEFB-activated carbon can be used as the battery electrodes due to the carbon properties.