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Abstract
As the world shifts towards green energy and sustainable living, the need for renewable energy sources is steadily rising. This study investigates the potential of eggshell membrane (ESM) as a sustainable precursor for activated carbon in hybrid solar cell applications. ESM-derived activated carbon was synthesized via pyrolysis at 600 °C under ambient and nitrogen atmospheres. The reaction time was kept for 1 h and 2 h for each condition and this was followed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) chemical activation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of broad diffraction peaks characteristic of amorphous carbon with partial graphitic ordering, while Raman spectra revealed D and G bands corresponding to sp²- and sp³ hybridized carbon, indicating enhanced structural ordering upon activation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a progressive transformation from fibrous membranes to well-developed porous carbon morphologies after activation, suggesting an increase in surface area and pore connectivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further revealed excellent capacitive behavior, with the nitrogen-treated sample (2 h) exhibiting superior electrical conductivity and lowest charge transfer resistance. These findings demonstrate the potential of ESM-derived activated carbon as an efficient, low-cost electrode material for hybrid solar cells, contributing to sustainable energy development.
Corresponding authors email: [66795117@mylife.unisa.ac.za], mbuleps1@unisa.ac.za
| Apply for student award at which level: | MSc |
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| Consent on use of personal information: Abstract Submission | Yes, I ACCEPT |