2025 AIChE Annual Meeting

(547e) Plastic-Waste Derived Nanoporous Carbons for Supercapacitor

Authors

Dipendu Saha - Presenter, Widener University
Fadi Mallouhi, Widener University
Anthony Ruggiero, Widener Univerisyt
Skyler Gittinger, WIdener Univeristy
Michael Gross, Widener University
Hippolyte Grappe, Eco Carbon
Transforming plastic waste into carbon materials for supercapacitors presents a groundbreaking solution to both environmental pollution and energy storage challenges. This innovative process converts discarded plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), into high-surface-area carbon materials using pyrolysis and chemical activation techniques. PET particles are heated in a nitrogen atmosphere, breaking down into carbon-rich residues, which are then treated with chemical agents to significantly increase their surface area.

The resulting nanoporous carbons are characterized using pore textural analysis, electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These materials exhibit a high degree of microporosity, with surface areas up to 1,800 m²/g and total pore volumes around 0.8 cm³/g. Electrochemical evaluations, including three-electrode cyclic voltammetry, coin cell testing, and impedance spectroscopy, reveal exceptional performance, such as high specific capacitance, excellent cycling stability, and robust charge-discharge efficiency.

This approach not only addresses plastic pollution but also provides a sustainable, cost-effective method for developing advanced materials for green energy applications, particularly in supercapacitor electrodes.