Synthesis and characterization of N-doped porous carbon from chicken feathers for 3D printed electrode applications

Abstract

Abstract In this study sustainable chicken feather waste was used as a precursor material to synthesize nitrogen doped porous carbon using a unique two step high temperature/pressure pyrolysis reaction. The synthesized carbon was further activated using potassium hydroxide. The activated carbon showed a surface area of 515.896 m2/g and pore volume of 0.607 cc/g. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the activated carbon consisted of highly amorphous porous carbon compared to non-activated carbon. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the carbon consisted of highly disordered/defected sp3 hybridized carbon with an ID/IG ratio of 1.39. Nanoindentation results revealed that the biochar carbon had hardness and modulus of 0.153 GPa and 3.8 GPa respectively. Preliminary observations suggested feasibility in applying the carbon as a potential electrode material in a solid state supercapacitor application.