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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Polymer Waste-Derived Activated Carbon from PET for High-Efficiency Supercapacitor Electrodes

  1. Baburao Gaddala Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Studies of Engineering & Technology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur
  2. Srinivas Ganganagunta Department of Engineering &Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences-IBRA
  3. Abha Gupta Department of Engineering &Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences-IBRA
  4. Gautam Prasad Dewangan Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Studies of Engineering & Technology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur
  5. Jeyadevan S. Department of Engineering &Technology, University of Technology and Applied Sciences-IBRA

Abstract

The exponential increase in plastic waste, particularly Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)—a polymer characterized by its repeating aromatic terephthalate units and ester linkages—has escalated into a global environmental crisis. This study details a low-cost synthesis of porous carbon materials derived from waste PET via pyrolysis followed by chemical activation with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). During pyrolysis, the PET polymer chains undergo thermal degradation, where the aromatic rings in the backbone serve as precursors for a stable carbon framework. The resulting activated carbon was evaluated as an electrode for supercapacitor applications. FTIR spectroscopy revealed a significant reduction in oxygen-containing functional groups (such as C=O and C-O bonds inherent in the original polyester), indicating successful carbonization. XRD and Raman analyses confirmed an amorphous structure with localized graphitic domains, essential for electrical conductivity. SEM and TEM imaging showcased a highly interconnected, porous morphology, a stark contrast to the dense, non-porous nature of raw PET.BET analysis reported a high specific surface area of approximately 631 m²/g. This developed pore architecture is critical for facilitating efficient ion diffusion and charge storage. The fabricated supercapacitor exhibited robust capacitive behavior, achieving a working voltage of 1.0 V and maintaining 38% voltage retention after 19.4 hours. A successful LED illumination test validated the device’s ability to store and deliver power. This work demonstrates a circular economy approach, converting long-chain polymers into high-value energy materials to mitigate plastic pollution.

Keywords

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