Single-step synthesis of bamboo-based activated carbon through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach for electrochemical capacitor

The conventional activated carbon production is often hindered by high prices and complex multi-step synthesis. Hence, in this research study, a low cost, single-step synthesis of high-yield activated carbon from bamboo ( Bambusa heterostachya ) biomass specifically for supercapacitor applications is carried out. The optimization of phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) activation with respect to variation in operating temperature (400-500 ° C), H 3 PO 4 concentration (30-50 wt%), and time (1-2 h) is optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design (CCD). Referring to the characterization measurement, the optimized bamboo activated carbon demonstrates a well-developed porous carbon network, with surface area of 1369 m 2 /g, and high yield of 59.5 wt%. The electrochemical testings indicate that the optimized activated carbon has a specific capacitance of 135.56 F/g at scan rate of 100 mV/s, and 121.74 F/g at current density of 1.0 A/g. The overall findings conclude that this single-step H 3 PO 4 -activated carbon is a cost-effective and sustainable material for high-performance electrochemical capacitors.