Freestanding hierarchical porous carbon film derived from hybrid nanocellulose for high-power supercapacitors

Nanocellulose is a sustainable and eco-friendly nanomaterial derived from renewable biomass. In this study, we utilized the structural advantages of two types of nanocellulose and fabricated freestanding carbonized hybrid nanocellulose films as electrode materials for supercapacitors. The long cellulose nanofibrils （CNFs） formed a macroporous framework, and the short cellulose nanocrystals were assembled around the CNF framework and generated micro/mesopores. This two-level hierarchical porous structure was successfully preserved during carbonization because of a thin atomic layer deposited （ALD） A1203 conformal coating, which effectively prevented the aggregation of nanocellulose. These carbonized, partially graphitized nanocellulose fibers were interconnected, forming an integrated and highly conductive network with a large specific surface area of 1,244 m2·g-1. The two-level hierarchical porous structure facilitated fast ion transport in the film. When tested as an electrode material with a high mass loading of 4 mg·cm-2 for supercapacitors, the hierarchical porous carbon film derived from hybrid nanocellulose exhibited a specific capacitance of 170 F·g-1 and extraordinary performance at high current densities. Even at a very high current of 50 A-g-l, it retained 65% of its original specific capacitance, which makes it a promising electrode material for high-power applications.

Sorption of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) on lignin

The present study describes the use of two commercially available lignins,namely,alkali and organosolv lignin,for the removal of2,4-dinitroanisole（DNAN）,a chemical widely used by the military and the dye industry,from water.Sorption of DNAN on bothlignins reached equilibrium within 10 hr and followed pseudo second-order kinetics with sorption being faster with alkali than withorganosolv lignin,i.e.k2 10.3 and 0.3 g/（mg·hr）,respectively.In a separate study we investigated sorption of DNAN between 10 and40 C and found that the removal of DNAN by organosolv lignin increased from 0.8 to 7.5 mg/g but reduced slightly from 8.5 to 7.6mg/g in the case of alkali lignin.Sorption isotherms for either alkali or organosolv lignin best fitted Freundlich equation with enthalpyof formation,H0 equaled to 14 or 80 kJ/mol.To help understand DNAN sorption mechanisms we characterized the two lignins byelemental analysis,BET nitrogen adsorption-desorption and 31P NMR.Variations in elemental compositions between the two ligninsindicated that alkali lignin should have more sites（O-and S-containing functionalities） for H-bonding.The BET surface area andcalculated total pore volume of alkali lignin were almost 10 times greater than that of organosolv lignin suggesting that alkali ligninshould provide more sites for sorption.31P NMR showed that organosolv lignin contains more phenolic-OH groups than alkali lignin,i.e.,70% and 45%,respectively.The variations in the type of OH groups between the two lignins might have affected the strength ofH-bonding between DNAN and the type of lignin used.