Document Type : Research and Reference
Authors
1
Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527
2
Ore Dressing Department, Nuclear Materials Authority, Cairo
3
Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527
4
Mining and Metallurgy Engineering Department, Tabbin Institute for Metallurgical Studies (TIMS), Tabbin, Helwan 109, Cairo 11421
5
Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
Abstract
Natural geological materials-based supercapacitors have attracted a lot of attention in research because of the global energy problem and the growing campaign against carbon emissions. Exploiting mineral raw materials containing Si-oxide as an alternative to synthesized oxides for supercapacitors provides sustainability values. To this end, quartz mineral concentrate sourced from Wadi Qena silica sand in the Eastern Desert of Egypt was investigated as a viable supercapacitor electrode material. With an average of 98% mass, quartz mineral (SiO2) was purified (as confirmed by XRD, FT-IR, and EDX analysis) through a series of physical processes, including attrition scrubbing and gravity separation. Employing a three-electrode configuration with 6 M KOH electrolyte, the working electrode has been constructed by slurrying active mineral material, conductive additive (super P) and polyvinlidene difluoride as a binding agent in dimethyl formamide in a proportion of 7:2:1. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic charging and discharging, and cyclic voltammetry were used to evaluate the electrochemical performance. Concentrated quartz demonstrated substantial specific capacitance/capacity of 40.17 F g−1 at 1 mvs−1. EIS showed improved charge transfer and ion diffusion. Quartz concentrated from silica sand shows promise for supercapacitor applications. The availability of silica sand in Egypt, combined with low-cost beneficiation processes, highlights the potential for supercapacitor applications. This study emphasizes the significance of additional investigation into similar geological resources in Egypt, focusing on their value for the renewable energy industry and contributing to global sustainable development goals.
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