Effects of pore structures on electrochemical behaviors of polyacrylonitrile-based activated carbon nanofibers by carbon dioxide activation

Activated carbon nanofibers (ACNF) were prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based nanofibers using $CO_2$ activation methods with varying activation process times. The surface and structural characteristics of the ACNF were observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. $N_2$ adsorption isotherm characteristics at 77 K were confirmed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations. As experimental results, many holes or cavernous structures were found on the fiber surfaces after the $CO_2$ activation as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Specific surface areas and pore volumes of the prepared ACNFs were enhanced within a range of 10 to 30 min of activation times. Performance of the porous PAN-based nanofibers as an electrode for electrical double layer capacitors was evaluated in terms of the activation conditions.