Thiruvananthapuram

A team of researchers from Kerala has achieved a breakthrough by developing activated carbon from coconut husk. Led by TS Xavier from the Department of Physics at Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, the team has devised a method using microwave technology to produce activated carbon with a high surface area, ideal for making super capacitors.

According to Xavier, this activated carbon production method is cost-effective and yields material with excellent super capacitor capabilities. Super capacitors are advanced devices crucial for storing energy more efficiently than traditional capacitors, playing a key role in sustainable energy solutions.

The researchers modified microwave technology to transform coconut husks into activated carbon within minutes by controlling temperatures, a process for which they have applied for a patent. They successfully powered two LEDs using their prototype super capacitors made from coconut husk-derived activated carbon, which are reported to be four times more efficient than existing alternatives.

Merin Tomy emphasized the importance of eco-friendly and economical solutions in developing super capacitor electrode materials. The team’s work, published in the ‘Sustainable Resource Management’ journal of the American Chemical Society, highlights the potential of coconut husk-derived activated carbon in various energy storage applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

The researchers are now focusing on scaling up production for industrial use and exploring additional applications such as water purification and sensor technology, further underscoring the versatility and potential impact of their findings.