Preparation of sponge-like porous carbon from Ficus Religiosa leaf and its K-ion intercalation properties

By one-step carbonization, sponge-like porous carbon was derived from Ficus Religiosa leaf. The prepared carbon contains large voids, which will be beneficial for the K+-ion intercalation /de-intercalation process. A maximum reversible capacity of 205 mAh.g(-1) was obtained at 20 mA.g(-1). Further, the porous carbon electrode showed a reversible capacity of 76 mAh.g(-1) with 76% capacity retention over 50 cycles at a current density of 50 mA.g(-1). Overall, the Ficus Religiosa leaf derived biomass carbon can be a good candidate for K+-ion intercalating electrodes for energy storage devices.

Automated summary

The sponge-like porous carbon derived from Ficus Religiosa leaf through one-step carbonization process showed large voids beneficial for K+-ion intercalation/de-intercalation. The biomass carbon electrode exhibited a maximum reversible capacity of 205 mAh.g(-1) at 20 mA.g(-1) and 76% capacity retention after 50 cycles at a current density of 50 mA.g(-1), making it a promising candidate for K+-ion intercalating electrodes in energy storage devices.