Nanoporous carbon black particles as an electrode material for electrochemical double layer capacitors

The aim of this work is to investigate the nanoporous carbon black particles as a possible electrode candidate material for electrochemical double layer capacitors using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in 2 M KCl electrolyte at different scan rates. Scanning electron microscopy is also used to characterize the microstructure and nature of the produced electrodes which confirms the nanoporous (< 10 nm in diameter) structure of the prepared electrodes. This nanoporous structure increases the specific surface area and electrical resistance of the electrodes, simultaneously. Proposed electrode shows a specific capacitance as high as 33.58 F g(-1), in the potential range from -0.15 to 0.55 V (vs. SCE) at a scan rate of 10 mV s(-1). It shows the low ratio of the outer to total charge (q*(O)/q*(T)) of 0.11 which confirms the low current response. Additionally, charge/discharge cycling test shows good reversibility after 100 cycles. Crown Copyright (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.