Optimizing Electrochemical Performance: A Study of Aqueous Electrolytes with Hemp-Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitors

Abstract This work investigates the synthesis and electrochemical performance of hemp-derived activated carbon (HAC) for supercapacitor electrode applications. HAC was prepared through NaOH chemical activation, and its electrochemical characteristics were evaluated using three different electrolytes: acidic (H2SO4), neutral (Na2SO4), and basic (KOH). The specific surface area of HAC was found to be exceptionally high, measuring 2612 m2/g, surpassing that of commercially available activated carbon (AC). Surface analysis revealed the presence of an oxygen functional group, which provided additional pseudocapacitive active