Optimized synthesis of carbon aerogels via ambient pressure drying process as electrode for supercapacitors

Abstract

Carbon aerogels were synthesized via ambient pressure drying process using resorcinolformaldehyde as precursor and P123 to strengthen their skeletons. CO₂ activation technology was implemented to improve surface areas and adjust pore size distribution. The synthesis process was optimized, and the morphology, structure, adsorption properties and electrochemical behavior of different samples were characterized. The CO₂-activated samples achieved a high specific capacitance of 129.2 F/g in 6 M KOH electrolytes at the current density of 1 mA/cm² within the voltage range of 0-0.8 V. The optimized activation temperature and duration were determined to be 950 °C and 4 h, respectively.

Keywords

supercapacitors / carbon aerogels / ambient pressure drying process / activation

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