An effective approach to preparing partially graphitic activated carbon derived from structurally separated pitch pine biomass

We provide a method for obtaining graphitic porous carbon, with commercially viable specific capacitance and high specific surface area, from pitch pine (Pinus rigida) biomass. Chemically treated biomass was used to prepare porous carbon with a partially graphitic structure and high surface area via KOH activation. Biomass immersed in NH4OH solution was structurally separated due to swelling phenomena. It allowed for the separation of representative components comprising biomass; cellulose and hemicellulose contribute to its porous structure, while lignin contributes to the partially graphitic structure after activation. The partially graphitic porous carbon simultaneously provides electron pathway and energy storage capabilities. The biomass-derived partially graphitic porous carbon exhibited a high specific capacitance (150 F g(-1)) and high rate capability (91% at 50 mA cm(-2)), both ideal qualities for ultracapacitor materials. Effective utilization of abandoned biomass is beneficial in terms of economic, environmental, and energy saving concerns. Thus, abandoned biomass-derived partially graphitic porous carbon obtained from structurally separated components with different properties from one biomass represents a promising solution for obtaining energy efficient materials for storage devices. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.