High Porous Activated Carbon Electrode Derived from Watermelon Peel Biomass Exposed with DC Glow Discharge Plasma Applied for Super Capacitors

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly technologies has spurred the exploration of innovative methods for waste management and resource utilization. Among the various bio-wastes generated globally, watermelon peel emerges as a significant contributor. To characterize carbon materials in the presence of functional groups, for morphological analysis, and intensity, we subjected activated fruit peel carbon to X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman studies. Furthermore, we examined its electrochemical performance. Another method used to assess wettability is the contact angle. Watermelon-rind-activated carbon was exposed to a DC glow discharge oxygen and air plasma with a 450 V applied potential. The air-treated carbon demonstrated a noteworthy capacitance of 1669 F g−1 at 0.5 mA g−1 in a 2 M KOH electrolyte. Our study found that the properties of the activated carbon were enhanced through cold plasma treatment. This research provides valuable insights into the potential resources of fruit peels and proposes a novel adsorbent with cost-effective advantages in supercapacitors, which could provide effective energy storage for portable gadgets, electric cars, and renewable energy systems, thus presenting a solution for sustainable waste management.