Enzymatic Hydrolysis Lignin-Derived Porous Carbons through Ammonia Activation: Activation Mechanism and Charge Storage Mechanism

Wenbin Jian, Wenli Zhang, Bingchi Wu, Xueer Wei, Wanling Liang, Xiaoshan Zhang, Fuwang Wen, Lei Zhao, Jian Yin, Ke Lu, Xueqing Qiu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

67 Scopus citations

Abstract

The low energy density and low cost performance of electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are the principal factors that limit the wide applications of ECs. In this work, we used enzymatic hydrolysis lignin as the carbon source and an ammonia activation methodology to prepare nitrogen-doped lignin-derived porous carbon (NLPC) electrode materials with high specific surface areas. We elucidated the free radical mechanism of ammonia activation and the relationship between nitrogen doping configurations, doping levels, and preparation temperatures. Furthermore, we assembled NLPC∥NLPC symmetric ECs and NLPC∥Zn asymmetric ECs using aqueous sulfate electrolytes. Compared with the ECs using KOH aqueous electrolyte, the energy densities of NLPC∥NLPC and NLPC∥Zn ECs were significantly improved. The divergence of charge storage characteristics in KOH, Na2SO4, and ZnSO4 electrolytes were compared by analyzing their area surface capacitance. This work provides a strategy for the sustainable preparation of lignin-derived porous carbons toward ECs with high energy densities.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 20 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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