Structure and EDLC characteristics of pitch-based carbon aerogels

Morphology and porous structure of the pitch-based carbon aerogels (CAs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption–desorption measurement. Their electrochemical performances as electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) electrodes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. It was found that the particle size of the CAs decreased with the increase of the volume ratio of toluene to acetic acid (T/A ratio). The BET surface areas of the obtained CAs were in the range of 290–450 m2 g−1. CA electrodes had good electrochemical performance and appropriate specific capacitance. Moreover, the electrochemical performance of the CAs was enhanced by the existence of extensive mesoporous networks of the CAs. CA with 2.23 of T/A ratio had the highest specific capacitance, i.e., 131.9 F g−1 for cyclic voltammetry. Thus, it was thought that the pitch-based CAs were suitable electrode materials for EDLCs.