A simple method to prepare carbon nanotubes from sunflower seed hulls and sago and their application in supercapacitor

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to provide a simple method for the preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by pyrolysing sunflower seed hulls and sago and to evaluate the application of such CNTs in supercapacitors.

Design/methodology/approach

The CNTs were obtained by pyrolysing sunflower seed hulls and sago at 800°C. The prepared CNTs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge and discharge and electrochemical impedance spectra methods.

Findings

The CNTs had large surface areas as determined by the methylene blue method and the Brunauer – Emmett – Teller method. And the CNTs that were prepared by pyrolysing the natural sunflower seed hulls (denoted as CNTs-1) and sago (denoted as CNTs-2) had capacitances of 86.9 F/g and 26.7 F/g, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The capacitances of CNTs can be further improved.

Practical implications

The exceptional electronic and mechanical properties of CNTs prepared lend the CNTs to diverse applications including electrocatalysts, hydrogen storage, photovoltaic devices actuators, energy storage, field-emitting flat panel displays and composites.

Originality/value

Currently, CNTs have not yet been used in the industry at a mass production scale due to high costs associated. The outcomes of the study reported in this article could provide a convenient method in aid of industrialisation of the production of CNTs.

Citation

Zhang, H.Y., Niu, H.J., Wang, Y.M., Wang, C., Bai, , X.D., Wang, S. and Wang, W. (2015), "A simple method to prepare carbon nanotubes from sunflower seed hulls and sago and their application in supercapacitor", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 44 No. 1, pp. 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-10-2013-0090