Structural Analysis and Electric Double Layer Capacitor of Furfural Resin -Based Active Carbon with Different Particle Size

Electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) is one of the promising energy storage devices with high capacity, high durability and rapid charge-discharge capability. However, the improvement of energy density is a big challenge to work on. In this study, we prepared activated carbon by KOH activation for 0 to 0.5 h at 700 to 800°C in N₂ flow with carburized furfural resin particles (1 or 10 μm in diameter), then carried out N₂ adsorption to evaluate pore structure as well as surface chemical structures. Activated carbon (1 μm in diameter) treated by 750°C-0 h or 800°C-0 h had ca. 2.5 times larger mesopore volume and 1.9 times larger mesopore ratio than the one by 700°C-0.5 h. The relationship between the surface functional group and the pore size distribution, and the EDLC capacity was investigated while the specific surface area was nearly equal value as 1200±100 m²/g. Activated carbon treated by 750°C-0 h (227 F/g) and 800°C-0 h (225 F/g) were higher than 700°C-0.5 h (198 F/g), which shows mesopore ratio plays a crucial role in 6 M KOH electrolyte.