Effects of pore structures on electrochemical behaviors of polyacrylonitrile-based activated carbon nanofibers by carbon dioxide activation

Effects of pore structures on electrochemical behaviors of polyacrylonitrile-based activated carbon nanofibers by carbon dioxide activation

Activated carbon nanofibers (ACNF) were prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based nanofibers using CO2 activation methods with varying activation process times. The surface and structural characteristics of the ACNF were observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. N2 adsorption isotherm characteristics at 77 K were confirmed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations. As experimental results, many holes or cavernous structures were found on the fiber surfaces after the CO2 activation as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Specific surface areas and pore volumes of the prepared ACNFs were enhanced within a range of 10 to 30 min of activation times. Performance of the porous PAN-based nanofibers as an electrode for electrical double layer capacitors was evaluated in terms of the activation conditions.