Synthesis of graphitic carbon from Pisum sativum for supercapacitor applications

This work reports preparation of Pisum sativum (peas) derived graphitic carbon (PSC) and its activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH), referred to as Pisum sativum derived activated graphitic carbon (PSAC). The structure, morphology and surface area of the materials were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET). The electrochemical performance of the material was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), cyclic stability and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The graphitic carbon obtained showed specific surface area of 240 m2 g−1 with pore size of 3.32nm. The electrochemical testing of activated carbon delivered specific capacitance of 517 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1 with 86% of capacitance retention after 2,000 cycles at 10 mA cm−2. It showed high specific energy of 35 Wh kg−1 at specific power 645 W kg−1.