Self-templating synthesis of biomass-based porous carbon nanotubes for energy storage and catalytic degradation applications
Manman Xu, Shiqi Fu, Yukai Wen, Wei Li, Qiongfang Zhuo, Haida Zhu, Zhikeng Zheng, Yu‐Wen Chen, Anqi Wang, Kai Yan
Abstract
Dwindling energy sources and a worsening environment are huge global problems, and biomass wastes are an under-exploited source of material for both energy and material generation. Herein, self-template decoction dregs of Ganoderma lucidum-derived porous carbon nanotubes (ST-DDLGCs) were synthesized via a facile and scalable strategy in response to these challenges. ST-DDLGCs exhibited a large surface area (1731.51 m2 g−1) and high pore volume (0.76 cm3 g−1), due to the interlacing tubular structures of precursors and extra-hierarchical porous structures on tube walls. In the ST-DDLGC/PMS system, the degradation efficiency of capecitabine (CAP) reached ∼97.3 % within 120 min. Moreover, ST-DDLGCs displayed high catalytic activity over a wide pH range of 3–9, and strong anti-interference to these typical and ubiquitous anions in wastewater and natural water bodies (i.e., H2PO4−, NO3−, Cl− and HCO3−), in which a 1O2-dominated oxidation was identified and non-radical mechanisms were deduced. Additionally, ST-DDLGC-based coin-type symmetrical supercapacitors exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance, with specific capacitances of up to 328.1 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and cycling stability of up to 98.6 % after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g−1. The superior properties of ST-DDLGCs could be attributed to the unique porous tubular structure, which facilitated mass transfer and presented numerous active sites. The results highlight ST-DDLGCs as a potential candidate for constructing inexpensive and advanced environmentally functional materials and energy storage devices.