Fabrication of a Copper/Carbon Composite Based on Biomass for Electrochemical Application

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis of copper/carbon (Cu/C) composites through hydrothermal treatment of copper (II) acetate in the presence of xylose. The effect of the Cu content in the Cu/C composite on its electrochemical properties was investigated. The reduction of Cu²⁺ (CuO) to Cu¹⁺ (Cu2O) and Cu⁰ was observed during the hydrothermal reaction. The structure, surface morphology and metal dispersion of the Cu/C composites with and without carbonization treatment at 550 °C for 1 h were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the Cu/C composites, in terms of cyclic voltammograms and galvanic charge/discharge, were investigated. The Cu/C composite formed with a 10 wt.% Cu loading by the one-step hydrothermal treatment at 190 °C for 24 h presented a good Cu dispersion on the carbon surface, and displayed a good charge transfer and high specific capacitance of up to 370 F/g.