Carbonization of Ageratum conyzoides Leaves and Characterization for Supercapacitor Active Electrode Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35895/jpsi.2.2.134-144.2026Keywords:
Ageratum conyzoides, activated carbon, supercapacitor, carbonization, cyclic voltammetryAbstract
This study evaluated the viability of the invasive weed Ageratum conyzoides as a carbon precursor for supercapacitor electrodes. The research aimed to determine the optimal carbonization temperature for maximizing the specific capacitance. The biomass underwent chemical activation using 0.3 M KOH. Subsequently, the samples were carbonized in an N2 atmosphere at varying temperatures (600, 700, and 800°C) and physically activated with CO2 at 800°C. Structural and morphological characterizations using thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful decomposition of organic components into a highly porous amorphous carbon network. An increase in the carbonization temperature directly correlated with a reduction in material density, indicating enhanced pore formation. Electrochemical measurements via cyclic voltammetry in a 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte revealed that the electrode carbonized at 800°C delivered a maximum specific capacitance of 75.97 F/g, compared to 58.21 F/g and 40.09 F/g for the 600°C and 700°C variants, respectively. These findings established both the ecological and technical potential of converting an invasive weed into functional energy storage materials.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Ikram Handaru Putra, Bidayatul Armynah, Arifin Arifin, Dahlang Tahir (Author)
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