Synthesis of the cathode and anode materials from discarded surgical masks for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

Advanced carbon-based electrode materials derived from wastes are essential to high-performance supercapacitors due to their abundance and sustainability. In this work, we fabricate novel cathodes and anodes based on discarded surgical mask-derived carbon (DSM-C). Discarded surgical masks are good candidates for carbon-based electrode materials due to their unique fibrous structure and simple composition compared to conventional biomass sources. Benefiting from the excellent electrical conductivity of DSM-C and abundant redox reactions from nickel oxide (NiO), the electrochemical performances of NiO/DSM-C composites have been greatly improved. Specifically, the DSM-C and NiO/DSM-C electrodes show high specific capacitances of 240 F g(1) and 496 F g(1) at 1 A g(1) respectively, and excellent rate capability. Moreover, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are assembled using DSM-C and NiO/DSMC as anodes and cathodes, respectively. They deliver a high energy density of 57 Wh kg(1) at a power density of 702Wkg(1), accompanied by superior cycling stability (98.5% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). This work shows prospective applications of DSM-C as an electrode material for energy storage systems. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the fabrication of high-performance cathodes and anodes using carbon derived from discarded surgical masks, showing excellent electrochemical performance. NiO/DSM-C composites exhibit high specific capacitances and excellent rate capability in supercapacitors, highlighting the potential application of DSM-C as an electrode material.