Superior capacitive performance of active carbons derived from Enteromorpha prolifera

Enteromorpha prolifera (E.prolifera), an ocean biomass, was used as raw materials to prepare active carbons by a two-step strategy (pre-carbonization followed by chemical activation). The as-prepared active carbons have been characterized by a variety of means such as N-2 adsorption, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the carbons have large surface area and developed porosity with micro-meso hierarchical pore texture. As evidenced by electrochemical measurements, the specific capacitance of the carbons can reach up to 296 F g(-1). More importantly, the carbons can maintain a high capacitance of up to 152 F g(-1) at a very high current density of 30 A g(-1), highlighting the promise of the carbons for high power applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.