A novel study on chronoamperometry electrodeposition of hexagonal boron nitride with Eucalyptus grandis-derived activated carbon for supercapacitor applications

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) electrodes were successfully synthesized from Eucalyptus grandis tree bark and a mixture of boric acid and urea in the ratio of 2:3, respectively. The optimal composite hBN/AC-1:0.05 electrode was prepared by chronoamperometry electrodeposition at an optimal potential of 0.45 V for 60 min. The prepared electrodes were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Half- and full-cell setups were used to investigate the as-prepared AC, hBN, and hBN/AC composite electrodes in 3 M KOH for electrochemical characterization. A supercapacitor was assembled using hBN/AC-1:0.05//AC. The device displayed a specific energy of 24.1 Wh/kg and a corresponding specific power of 1025 W/kg at 1 A/g in a potential window of 1.6 V. Furthermore, the developed device demonstrated a coulombic efficiency of 99.4 % and a capacity retention of 76.3 % after 10,000 GCD cycles at 5 A/g. The results of hBN/AC-1:0.05//AC contribute to the scientific community by highlighting the importance of biomass recycling (Eucalyptus grandis tree bark) and providing a simple approach to producing a composite material for energy storage.