Synthesis of nitrogen-doped plasma treated carbon nanofiber as an efficient electrode for symmetric supercapacitor

A nitrogen-doped plasma treated carbon nanofiber is prepared by using melamine and ambient plasma for supercapacitor applications. Nitrogen of 11 wt% was doped, and electrochemical active surface area increased by almost four times, compared to precursor CNF, resulting that high specific capacitance of 495 Fg(-1) at 0.5 Ag-1, which is more than six times larger than 73 Fg(-1) of CNF, with remarkable rate capability and cyclic stability was obtained. Electrochemical impedance is also dramatically reduced from 249 to 24 51 at 100 Hz. Specific energies of 21 Whkg(-1) and 12.2 Whkg(-1) at the specific power of 200 Wkg(-1) and 4,000 Wkg(-1), respectively, were obtained with high capacitance retention (94%) and coulombic efficiency (92%) after 10,000 cycles. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared electrode can be a good alternative electrode material for stable and reliable supercapacitors.

Automated summary

A nitrogen-doped plasma treated carbon nanofiber was prepared for supercapacitor applications, showing significant improvements in specific capacitance, cyclic stability, and rate capability. With nitrogen doping, the electrochemical active surface area increased by four times, leading to a high specific capacitance of 495 Fg(-1) and excellent cyclic stability and rate capability.