LAUSR

Abstract In the present study, highly porous activated carbon has been processed by an economical way which can be suitable for Lithium/Sodium ion batteries. Activated carbon was produced from a wasteland biomass of Calotropis gigantea stem using bleaching powder (CaOCl2) as chemical activating agent, in the ratio of 0.5:1 and 1:1 of chemical and biomass at different activation temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C and 900 °C in normal atmospheric conditions. Characterisations like X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) were done to find its suitability in Lithium/Sodium (Li /Na) ion battery applications. Presence of graphitic structure is found from XRD analysis. Functional groups found from FTIR analysis are active adsorption sites. Raman spectroscopy ordered graphitic structure is prerequisite for electrochemical performance. The highly porous activated carbon surface observed from FESEM analysis is further confirmed to have both mesopores and also micropores with appropriate surface area, through BET surface area analysis. Highly porous activated carbon and crystalline graphitic structure confirmed from HRTEM analysis makes it useful as an anode material for Li /Na ion batteries.