Electrochemical Behaviour of Commercial and Modified Activated Carbons in Aqueous Supercapacitors

Authors

  • K.M. Temirkulova Satbayev University, 22a Satpaev Str., 050013, Almaty, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave., 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • S. Temirbolat Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave., 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Zh.A. Supiyeva Satbayev University, 22a Satpaev Str., 050013, Almaty, Kazakhstan; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave., 050040, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Q. Abbas Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria; Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18321/ectj1663

Keywords:

Supercapacitors, Activated carbon, Heat treatment, Porous structure, Cycling resistance

Abstract

Supercapacitors offer high specific power, short charge-discharge times, and long cycle life. This study presents a comparative analysis of the electrochemical performance of commercial activated carbon Kuraray YP80F and its modified analogue YP80FP, which was subjected to thermal treatment. High-temperature treatment of YP80FP led to changes in porosity and a reduction in electrochemical activity. Electrochemical studies were carried out using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and self-discharge methods. The results show that YP80F exhibits higher specific capacitance and lower internal resistance owing to its well-developed microporous structure. The optimum operating voltage range was determined to be between 0.6–1.5 V, with YP80F showing the best performance for an aqueous sodium nitrate electrolyte. The results demonstrate that heat treatment of activated carbon may lead to the development of surface functional groups and the blocking of pores, affecting overall supercapacitor performance in aqueous electrolytes.

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Published

17-10-2025

How to Cite

Temirkulova, K., Temirbolat, S., Supiyeva, Z., & Abbas, Q. (2025). Electrochemical Behaviour of Commercial and Modified Activated Carbons in Aqueous Supercapacitors. Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal, 27(3), 159–171. https://doi.org/10.18321/ectj1663

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