Pore size distribution control of pitch-based activated carbon for improvement of electrochemical property

Activated carbon has been prepared using coal tar pitch as a precursor with a simple NaOH activation process. The effect of the activation on the porosity and the specific surface area is characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The highest specific surface area of 1409.7 m2 g−1 is obtained with a NaOH to pitch ratio of 6. Its specific capacitance is 287.43 F g−1 at the scan rate 50 mV s−1, 197.78 F g−1 at the current density 1 A g−1, and it has outstanding energy density of 16.34 Wh kg−1. Thus, pitch-based AC is a promising material for various energy storage devices.

Graphical abstractThe specific surface area with small mesopore range (2–5 nm) worked effectively for high performance of EDLC. The relation between pore size and EDLC performance is shown by regression line.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide