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Upcycling Biomass into Power: Sugarcane Bagasse as a Precursor for Electrode Materials
1Science in Engineering Department, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur,
2DEPARTMENT OF MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING, INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA, KUALA LUMPUR, KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia
3Department of Science in Engineering, Kulliyyah of Engineering,, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*Email Address : norainimnoor@iium.edu.my
Abstract : This study investigates sugarcane bagasse (SCB), an abundant lignocellulosic waste, as a precursor for synthesizing activated carbon (AC) for electrode applications in energy storage devices. SCB was impregnated with three nickel-based salts, nickel (II) chloride (NiCl₂), nickel (II) sulfate (NiSO₄), and nickel (II) oxide (NiO₂) and subjected to pyrolysis at 550°C and 650°C. The resulting AC was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge – discharge (GCD). Among all samples, NiCl₂-activated carbon pyrolyzed at 650°C (SCBNAC 2) demonstrated superior porosity and pseudocapacitive behavior, making it a promising electrode material for supercapacitors. These findings highlight SCB's potential as a sustainable source for high-performance electrode materials.
Keywords : Sugarcane bagasse, Activated carbon, Nickel salts, Energy storage, Electrochemical performance