THE EFFICIENCY OF DRIED NARRA (Pterocarpus indicus) LEAVES

AS A MATERIAL FOR ELECTRODES IN SUPERCAPACITORS

In Partial Fulfillment of the Big Task in Elective Science

Submitted to:

Mrs. Grace A. Holt

Submitted by:

Brylle Jaden Louise R. Ordoño

Jared S. Bucasas

Rodelyn H. Ducusin

Dennis Darryl M. Arellano

10 – DIAMOND
March 2019
 ABSTRACT

Energy is a prime directive of today. Energy that can be stored in different places
and forms is considered a good form of energy yet the technology of today is not yet able to
cope up with storing these kind of energies. Although our current devices may grasp this
problem by a little bit, it is still quite evident that such has still not reached tits maximum
potential. In order to do so, the study which concerns supercapacitors, a trend in energy
storage, was aimed at improving the ways of storage of large amounts of energy for
everyday use and for practical use and at reducing the environmental impact of energy
storage devices that exist today such as fuel cells and batteries that may cause
contaminations if mistreated. This was done through the utilization of carbon molecules,
coming from plant biomass, as a factor of energy storage in which, three set-ups were
acquired and experimented on to test the differences between the capabilities of different
structures of carbon. It was observed during the duration of the study/experiment, plant
biomass is a source of carbon with better qualities than artificially derived carbon. This
also furthers the movement of the researchers against the hazardous impacts of waste
biomass on the planet’s climate. The gathered data after observation and analysis provided
a firm basis on the claim that plant biomass, specifically that of narra leaves, is a more
efficient material for use in electrodes for supercapacitors.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...1

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………..…….5-8

Situation Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………
5

Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………….................6

Hypotheses………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

Scope and
Delimitations………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………………………………….7

Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………………………………………7-
8

Research Paradigm………………………………………………………………………………………………8

CHAPTER II: METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………………………………………9-12

Method of Research…………………………………………………………………………………………9-
10

Method of Data
Collection…………………………………………………………………………………...10

Sampling Technique………………………………………………………………………………………10-
11

Procedure…………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
CHAPTER III: ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION OF
DATA……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...12-21

Presentation of Data………………………………………………………………………………………12-
15

Analysis and Interpretation of Data………………………………………………………………...16-

22

CHAPTER IV: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS……………………...23-

25

Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………………23-24

Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24

Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………………………..25

BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………………………………………………..........26
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Situation Analysis

In the recent years, the world has witnessed the consistent and exponential boom of
technology. It continues to do so today. Most of these technological advancements rely on
power sources, mainly fuel and electricity. The struggle is also up for the improvement of
the sources in order to cope up with the increments on the demand for energy. For
example, industrialization of emerging markets, or technology, require significant amounts
of energy in forms of electricity and fuels in order to operate (The World Energy Outlook, J.
Locker)

A revolutionizing solution, when it comes to this problem, are supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors are considered to be promising candidates for the future of power devices.
These devices are expected to find many future applications in hybrid electronic vehicles
and other power devices and systems (M. Guerra, 2016)

For supercapacitors to realize their promise, it is important that their energy and
power densities be maximized. An important way to address this is to develop advanced
electrode materials and the methods to fabricate these materials. Recently, the industries
concerned have seen enormous interest in the research of numerous materials and
methods for their synthesis and applications in supercapacitor electrode technology
(Journal of Energy Engineering).
 One potential material for the presented problem could be derived from the idea of
segregation activities in local areas – which are responses to the need of strengthened
waste management. The material being said could become carbon rich wastes that, instead
of being burned, are possible sources of the material, particularly the Narra leaves that
become waste in different areas (RSC Publishing, Energy and Environmental page)

B. Statement of the Problem

The study is in focus of demonstrating the efficiency of dried Narra leaves as a

material for electrodes in supercapacitors. Specifically, the study aims to answer the
following questions:

1. What is the level of efficiency of the dried Narra leaves as materials for electrodes in
supercapacitors based on the following?

a. The rate of energy transmission of the supercapacitor.

b. The amount of time the energy supports an electric circuit.

2. Will there be any significant difference from other commercially used electrodes if the
electrode made from Narra leaves is used?

a. The rate of energy transmission of the supercapacitor.

b. The amount of time the energy supports an electric circuit.

C. Hypotheses

1. The electrode made out of Narra leaves will not be efficient in terms of the following:

a. The rate of energy transmission of the supercapacitor.

b. The amount of time the energy supports an electric circuit.

2. There will be no significant differences between the commercially used electrodes and
the electrode made out of Narra leaves in terms of:

a. The rate of energy transmission of the supercapacitor.

b. The amount of time the energy supports an electric circuit.

D. Scope and Delimitations

In general, the focus of the study is the creation of an efficient material for use in
supercapacitors through the treatment of Narra leaves with heat and Potassium Hydroxide.
The study is confined with the use of the specified leaves only and is only for application to
supercapacitors and none other power storage devices except the testing circuits. The
study will also be conducted within the bounds of the City of San Fernando, La Union with
an estimated duration of 2-3 months. The respondents to the study will only be focused on
businesses or companies concerned with electronics or electricity.

E. Significance of the Study

The creation of an efficient and advanced material for electrodes in supercapacitors

will allow the expansion of future technologies because of its extensive applications in
technology. Examples would be the aforementioned-hybrid electric vehicles, power
systems and cell phones which, dominate the industries of the world today.
Supercapacitors present a fast and efficient storage and discharge so it will shorten the
excess time used in powering up these devices. Supercapacitors also promise a lengthy
lifetime of use and thus expels the need for yearly renewal of other charging devices. This
sums up to a great socio-economic significance
F. Definition of Terms

Activated Carbon – An alternative electrode material that is commercially used for

supercapacitors.

Electric Circuit – A device or connection of conducting wires that allows electricity to flow
and be tested.

Graphene – An alternative electrode material, also commercially used for supercapacitors

Narra Leaves – From Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) trees; main source of carbon for use in
creating a material for electrodes.

Potassium Hydroxide – A chemical compound that will be used for increasing the surface
area of carbon.

Power Density – The amount of energy released within a certain amount of time in
correlation to the mass of the object.

Supercapacitors – A device that stores and discharges electricity

Super Heating – The process in which the treated carbon will be exposed to extremely
high temperature.

G. Research Paradigm
 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the used research method in the study, procedure in data
gathering, sampling design and the statistical treatment of the data gathered from the
observation.

Method of Research

In this research, the researchers are required to conduct a true experimental

research method. Specifically, the researchers will use the Post-test-only design. The
results without pretesting, will be gathered through experimentation and observation
through the use of clerical tools. This method is most appropriate as it involves the
comparison of three treatments with three trials each. During such, the relationship
between the variables, independent and dependent, will be observed and be used for data
purposes. The researchers gathered data through quantitative and qualitative observations
which helped determine the over-all efficiency of dried narra leaves as a material for
electrodes in supercapacitors.

Experimental Plan

Set-up 1

● Narra Leaves- ● Narra Leaves- ● Narra Leaves-

Electrode Electrode Electrode

● Supercapacitor ● Supercapacitor ● Supercapacitor

Electric Circuit Electric Circuit Electric Circuit

Set-up 2

● Activated Carbon ● Activated Carbon ● Activated Carbon

Electrode Electrode Electrode

● Supercapacitor ● Supercapacitor ● Supercapacitor

Electric Circuit Electric Circuit Electric Circuit

Set-up 3

● Graphene ● Graphene ● Graphene

Electrode Electrode Electrode

● Supercapacitor ● Supercapacitor ● Supercapacitor

Electric Circuit Electric Circuit Electric Circuit

Method of Data Collection

The researchers will perform an interview in interpreting the observations and

measurements as a method of collecting data from the set-ups and interview amongst
themselves to gather the bases for ratings. Each of the respondents, pertaining to the
researchers themselves, with the help of instrumentation, will evaluate the products on a
scale of 1 to 4 with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. Questions involved would
be:

Q1. Is it efficient as an alternative to current commercial versions?

Q2. Is it more efficient based on the standards set by the researchers?

Q3. Is it the best choice for making an alternative?

Sampling Technique

The study has limited resources, but there is almost always a need to sample in any
investigation (Sanders 2007). It is important to note that if it is impractical to use a
probability sampling method on a whole population, non-probability sampling is the best
alternative. Nonetheless, in this study, the researchers employed convenience sampling
method in which the population of respondents is chosen by virtue of practicality.

Procedure

The research carried out is known as an experimental research by operational

definition. This study is intended to demonstrate the potential of dried narra leaves as a
material for electrodes in supercapacitors.

The following chapters will relate in detail how this experiment was conducted.
First, the experiment starts with the collection of 50g of dried narra leaves. The leaves will
be further sun dried and pulverized. Second, the narra leaves undergoes charring which is
the same process as making charcoal, in order to remove volatile compounds that might
affect the capacitance of the product such as water. It will then be treated with a KOH
(Potassium Hydroxide) solution that helps it expand in surface area as it is subjected to
temperatures at 425 – 800 ° C within 1 – 3 hours. After cooling, the resulting product will
be collected and be applied on a supercapacitor with replaceable electrodes.

As pertained in the experimental plan, 3 different types of electrodes will be used

for testing and data collection, specifically maintaining the parameters set. Also, the
supercapacitors will be tested for their rate of energy transmission and time of self-
discharge.
 CHAPTER III
ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the result of the experiment through the data gathered from

the observations, and the interpretation of data using a statistical method. This chapter also

deals with the organization and classification of data collected.

Data Presentation
Table 1
SUPERCAPACITOR Rate of Energy Time of Self- Specific Surface
Transmission Discharge (s) Area (m2 / g)
(kW / kg)
Narra Leaves 408 1.57 3657
Electrode
Activated Carbon 231 0.27 1865
Electrode
Graphene Electrode 99.2 0.03 798

Table 1 shows the mean measurements for each condition of each set-up with their specific

Electrode material (e.g. Rate of Energy Transmission, Time of Self-Discharge, and Specific

Area)
 The data shows that the Supercapacitor with narra leaves as electrodes surpassed
both supercapacitors with commercial electrodes in all areas of measurement with
Activated Carbon showing better scores while Graphene scores the lowest.

Table 2

Criteria Rate of Energy Transmission Time of Self-Discharge

(kW/kg) (s)
Not Efficient (1) 0.01 - 0.25
50 - 99
Slightly Efficient (2) 100 - 200 0.25 - 0.50
Efficient (3) 201 - 300 0.50 - 0.75
Very Efficient (4) 300 and above 1 and above

Table 2 shows the criteria for rating the included variables in the hypotheses which are to be
presented later

Table 2.1
Set-up Rate of Energy Transmission (Power Rating
Density)
Narra Leaves Electrode
Trial 1 367.3 4
Trial 2 435.2 4
Trial 3 421.5 4
Activated Carbon Electrode
 Trial 1 242.5 3
Trial 2 257.5 3
Trial 3 193 2
Graphene Carbon Electrode
Trial 1 87.4 1
Trial 2 142.3 2
Trial 3 67.9 1

Table 2.1 shows the rating of the electrodes at each trial on their rates of energy
transmission

The data shows the ratings of the electrodes for power density. For the narra leaves
electrode at each trial, it got a rating of 4 while the activated carbon electrode got a rating
of 3 at trials 1 and 2 and a rating of 2 for the third trial. The graphene electrode got ratings
1 at trials 1 and 3 and a rating of 2 at trial 2.

Figure 1

Power Density
500
450 435.2 421.5
400 367.3
350
300 257.5
242.5
kw/kg

250
193
200
142.3
150
87.4 67.9
100
50
0
1 2 3
Trials

Narra Leaves Activated Carbon Graphene

Figure 1 is the graphical representation of the data for Table 2.1

Table 2.2

Set-ups Time of Self-Discharge Rating

Narra Leaves Electrode

Trial 1 0.97 3

Trial 2 1.96 4

Trial 3 1.76 4

Activated Carbon Electrode

Trial 1 0.38 2

Trial 2 0.25 1

Trial 3 0.18 1

Graphene Electrode

Trial 1 0.02 1

Trial 2 0.03 1

Trial 3 0.04 1

Table 2.2 shows the ratings of the electrodes based on their time for self-discharge
The data shows the ratings of each electrode at each trial with the narra leaves

electrode garnering a rating of 3 at trial one and then 4 at the following trials. As for the

activated carbon, it got a rating of 2 on the first trial and then 1 at trials 2 and 3. While, the

graphene electrode got a rating of 1 on all trials.

Figure 2
 Self-Discharge Time
0.04
3 0.18
1.76
0.03
2 0.25
Trials

1.96
0.02
1 0.38
0.97
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Time for self-discharge

Graphene Electrode Activated Carbon Electrode

Narra Leaves Electrode

Figure 2 is the graphical presentation of Table 2.2

Data Analysis

T- test for the rate of energy transmission

 Null Hypothesis (Ho): The electrode material made from narra leaves will not be

efficient in terms of the rate of energy transmission or power density.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): The electrode material made from narra leaves will be

efficient in terms of the rate of energy transmission or power density.

Significance level (α) = 0.05

SETUPS 1 and 2

Group Statistics
GROUP N Mean Std. Deviation Std. Error
Mean
ROET Narra 3 408.0000 35.90668 20.73073
Leaves
Electrode
Activated 3 231.0000 33.75278 19.48718
Carbon
Electrode

Independent Samples Test

Levene's Test t-test for Equality of Means

for Equality of
Variances
F Sig. t df Sig. (2- Mean Std. 95% Confidence
 tailed) Differe Error Interval of the
nce Differe Difference
nce Lower Upper
ROET Equal .027 .878 6.221 4 .003 177.00 28.451 98.004 255.99
varian 000 95 73 527
ces
assum
ed
Equal 6.221 3.985 .003 177.00 28.451 97.885 256.11
varian 000 95 67 433
ces
not
assum
ed

A t-test was conducted in order to determine if there is a significant difference

between the rates of energy transmission of the narra leaves electrode and the activated

carbon electrode. Since the p value is 0.003 with both assumptions on variance where p <

0.05; the null hypothesis is rejected for ROET of set-ups 1 and 2. This suggests that there is

a significant difference between the rates of each electrode.

SETUPS 1 and 3
 Group Statistics

Group N Mean Std. Std. Error

Deviation Mean

ROET Narra Leaves 3 246.066 154.95036 89.46063

Electrode 7

Graphene Electrode 3 99.2000 38.57810 22.27308

Independent Samples Test

Levene's Test t-test for Equality of Means
for Equality of
Variances
F Sig. t df Sig. (2- Mean Std. 95% Confidence
tailed) Differ Error Interval of the
ence Differ Difference
ence
Lower Upper
ROET Equal 2.778 .171 1.593 4 .186 146.86 92.191 - 402.83
varian 667 62 109.09 163
ces 830
assum
ed
Equal 1.593 2.247 .239 146.86 92.191 - 504.54
varian 667 62 210.81 577
ces 244
not
assum
ed

A t-test was conducted in order to determine if there is a significant difference

between the rates of energy transmission of the narra leaves electrode and the activated
graphene electrode. Since the p value is 0.186 for equal variance and 0.239 for unequal

variance where p > 0.05; the null hypothesis is accepted for ROET of set-ups 1 and 3. This

suggests that there is no significant difference between the rates of each electrode.

T- test for the time of self-discharge

Null Hypothesis (Ho): The electrode material made from narra leaves will not be

efficient in terms of the time of self-discharge.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): The electrode material made from narra leaves will be

efficient in terms of the time of self-discharge.

Significance level (α) = 0.05

Group Statistics

Group N Mean Std. Std. Error

Deviation Mean

TOSD Narra Leaves Electrode 3 1.5700 .44844 .25891

Activated Carbon 3 .2700 .10149 .05859

Elecrode

SETUPS 1 and 2

Independent Samples Test

Levene's Test t-test for Equality of Means
for Equality of
Variances
 F Sig. t df Sig. Mean Std. 95% Confidence
(2- Differ Error Interval of the
tailed ence Differ Difference
) ence
Lowe Upper
r
TOSD Equal 4.450 .103 4.897 4 .008 1.300 .2654 .5629 2.037
varia 00 6 8 02
nces
assu
med
Equal 4.897 2.204 .032 1.300 .2654 .2535 2.346
varia 00 6 3 47
nces
not
assu
med

A t-test was conducted in order to determine if there is a significant difference

between the rates of energy transmission of the narra leaves electrode and the activated

graphene electrode. Since the p value is 0.008 for equal variance and 0.032 for unequal

variance where p < 0.05; the null hypothesis is accepted for ROET of set-ups 1 and 2. This

suggests that there is a significant difference between the times of self-discharge of each

electrode.
 SETUPS 1 and 3

Group Statistics

Group N Mean Std. Std. Error

Deviation Mean

TOSD Narra Leaves Electrode 3 1.5700 .44844 .25891

Graphene Elecrode 3 .0300 .01000 .00577

Independent Samples Test

Levene's Test t-test for Equality of Means
for Equality of
Variances
F Sig. t df Sig. Mean Std. 95% Confidence
(2- Differ Error Interval of the
tailed ence Differ Difference
) ence
Lowe Upper
r
TOSD Equal 7.481 .052 5.947 4 .004 1.540 .2589 .8209 2.259
varia 00 7 8 02
nces
assu
med
Equal 5.947 2.002 .027 1.540 .2589 .4267 2.653
varia 00 7 9 21
nces
not
assu
 med

A t-test was conducted in order to determine if there is a significant difference

between the rates of energy transmission of the narra leaves electrode and the activated

graphene electrode. Since the p value is 0.004 for equal variance and 0.027 for unequal

variance where p < 0.05; the null hypothesis is accepted for ROET of set-ups 1 and 3. This

suggests that there is a significant difference between the times of self-discharge of each

electrode.

Conclusions: In terms of the rates of energy transmission the narra leaves-electrode is more

efficient as a material for electrodes in supercapacitors compared to activated carbon but is less

efficient than that of graphene electrodes.

In terms of the time of self-discharge, the narra leaves-electrode is more efficient

than both the commercially available electrodes.

 CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS

This chapter provides a synopsis of the findings and generates conclusions and

recommendations based on the analysis and interpretation of results of the study on the

efficiency of dried narra leaves as a material for electrodes in supercapacitors.

Summary

The researchers conducted this study to address the various disadvantages that
come

with the use of conventional supercapacitors, despite their potential for energy storage,
such

as their low energy density, high self-discharge rate and high initial cost. Although the
testing

materials were not easily accessible, the product itself makes use of readily available

materials and could be made at home. Since the product also reduces environmental
impacts

of unused biomass, the researchers deemed that it could help many industries by providing

a more eco-friendly and efficient energy storage device as compared to commercially

available energy storage devices such as fuel cells and specifically current supercapacitors.

Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following statements:

1. The efficiency of dried narra leaves as a material for electrodes in

supercapacitors in terms of:

a. The rate of energy transmission of the supercapacitor

 b. The time of self-discharge of the supercapacitor

2. The significant difference of the narra leaves – electrode from the

commercially available electrodes in supercapacitors in terms of:

a. The rate of energy transmission of the supercapacitor

b. The time of self-discharge of the supercapacitor

Conclusions

The results of the experiment provided useful data on the efficiency of dried narra
leaves as a material for electrodes in supercapacitors. These data were obtained from the 3
set-ups with 3 trials per set-up and can be used to formulate the conclusions for the study.

While useful, the results of the experiment must be viewed with caution because of
possibilities of inaccurate measurements that the researchers encountered during the
duration of the experiment.

Based on the findings, the comparison of the supercapacitors can be done through
three criteria. First, in power density (kW/kg) the narra leaves – electrode gave the highest
score as compared to the two commercially available electrodes, averaging as much as four
times as much as the score of the lowest. Second, in time of self-discharge (sec) the narra
leaves – electrode discharged around 2 seconds at most which furthers its energy storage
capacity at around 100 Wh/kg. This comparably longer and delivers more energy as
compared to the commercially available electrodes which averaged less than 1 sec. Lastly,
in terms of specific surface area, the narra leaves – electrode also gave a higher score than
the two other electrodes. It is important to note this as it has correlation to the power
densities of the electrodes although it is not included in the statements of the problem.

These findings show, from one condition to another, the narra leaves – electrode is
more efficient in terms of energy transmission and time of self-discharge.
Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, in which the narra leaves prove to be an efficient
material for use in electrodes for supercapacitors as compared to commercially available
materials, the researchers recommend other students and researchers to:

● Try different leaves or waste biomass related to narra as a source of carbon for

experimentation

● Use the final product of the narra leaves in different energy storage and electrical

devices such as mobile phones, power banks and car batteries for HEVs (Hybrid
Electric Vehicles)

● Use devices with comparably better qualities (e.g. power and energy density) than

supercapacitors to improve their capabilities further for practical applications

● Find an alternative source of carbon compounds other than biomass such as

polymers etc.

● Substitute different chemicals for KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) to test different

effects on surface area expansion of carbon molecules.

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