PROPOSAL DEFENSE SCRIPT
Fabrication and Characterization of Coin-Cell Electric Double-Layer Capacitors with
Coconut Shell-Derived Activated Carbon Electrodes Under Series and Parallel
Connection
OPENING
Presenter:
Good morning/afternoon, panel members and guests. We are here today to present our
research proposal entitled: "Fabrication and Characterization of Coin-Cell Electric Double-Layer
Capacitors with Coconut Shell-Derived Activated Carbon Electrodes Under Series and Parallel
Connection."
Allow us to walk you through the key components of this study, starting with the problem we
seek to address.
I. THE PROBLEM
Background of the Problem:
The world is facing a growing energy crisis driven by increasing demand and the push toward
renewable energy systems. However, renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent —
they do not consistently generate power — making effective energy storage solutions critically
important.
In the Philippines specifically, power demand is expected to rise by 6.6% annually through
2027. Despite gains in renewable energy capacity, the country continues to experience grid
stress during peak demand periods, largely due to insufficient energy storage infrastructure.
This has been identified as a key bottleneck in integrating renewable energy into the national
grid.
Statement of the Problem:
This study aims to fabricate and characterize coin-cell electric double-layer capacitors — or
EDLCs — using coconut shell-derived activated carbon (CSAC) as electrode material, and to
evaluate their electrochemical performance under both series and parallel electrical
configurations.
Sub-Problems:
Specifically, we seek to answer the following questions:
First: What is the impact of coconut shell-derived activated carbon electrodes on the specific
capacitance, power density, and cycling stability of coin-cell EDLCs?
Second: How do series and parallel configurations of these coin-cell EDLCs affect overall
voltage output, capacitance scaling, and energy-power trade-offs?
Third: To what extent do coconut shell activated carbon-based EDLCs outperform commercial
counterparts in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability for Philippine renewable energy
applications?
Hypotheses:
We hypothesize that: (1) the coconut shell-derived activated carbon will exhibit high surface
area and porosity suitable for EDLC electrodes; (2) the fabricated EDLCs will demonstrate
significant specific capacitance, high power density, and stable charge-discharge performance;
and (3) series connection will proportionally increase voltage output while decreasing total
capacitance.
II. SCOPE AND LIMITATION
Presenter:
This study focuses on three core activities: the preparation of activated carbon from coconut
shells using carbonization and chemical activation, the fabrication of coin-cell EDLC units, and
their electrochemical evaluation using standard characterization methods including Cyclic
Voltammetry, Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge testing, and Electrochemical Impedance
Spectroscopy.
We will also examine how series and parallel configurations affect performance metrics such as
voltage output, capacitance, and energy-power balance.
The study is bounded by the following limitations: we focus exclusively on coconut shell-derived
activated carbon and do not compare it with other biomass sources or advanced hybrid
electrode materials. Additionally, performance evaluation is confined to the specific electrolyte
system and testing parameters established within our experimental framework.
III. METHODOLOGY
Overview:
Our methodology follows four main stages: material collection, electrode preparation, coin-cell
assembly, and electrochemical characterization.
Step 1 — Collection of Materials:
Coconut shells were sourced from nearby farms and cleaned thoroughly to remove
contaminants. Chemical activating agents — potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid
(H3PO4) — were acquired from laboratory-grade suppliers. Additional materials include PVDF
binder, carbon black conductive additive, NMP solvent, coin-cell components such as
separators, current collectors, stainless steel casings, and electrolyte solutions.
Step 2 — Preparation of Electrodes:
Activated carbon was first dried to eliminate residual moisture, then blended with PVDF binder
and carbon black in appropriate weight ratios. NMP solvent was gradually introduced to form a
homogeneous slurry. This slurry was then uniformly coated onto stainless steel or aluminum foil
current collectors using a controlled spreading technique. The coated electrodes were oven-
dried to remove remaining solvent, then cut into sizes compatible with coin-cell assembly.
Step 3 — Assembly of Coin-Cell EDLCs:
Under controlled laboratory conditions, the prepared electrodes were carefully positioned on
current collectors inside coin-cell casings. A porous separator was placed between the two
electrodes to allow ionic transport while preventing electrical short circuits. Electrolyte solution
was added to ensure effective wetting. The coin cells were then sealed using a crimping
machine to prevent leakage. All components were assembled symmetrically to ensure
consistent electrochemical performance.
Step 4 — Characterization Techniques:
Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) was used to assess capacitive behavior and charge storage
reversibility. The resulting CV curves for ideal EDLCs should display a nearly rectangular shape.
Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD) testing was conducted to determine specific
capacitance, energy density, and power density from charge-discharge profiles. Electrochemical
Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to examine internal resistance and charge transport
properties, with results presented as Nyquist plots.
IV. DATA ANALYSIS
Presenter:
To analyze the results, we will employ one-way Analysis of Variance — or ANOVA. This
statistical tool allows us to compare mean values of key performance metrics — specifically
specific capacitance, energy density, power density, and internal resistance — across different
configurations: single cells, series-connected cells, and parallel-connected cells.
The significance threshold we will use is a p-value of 0.05. A p-value below this threshold
indicates statistically significant differences between group means. Where necessary, post hoc
comparisons will be conducted to identify which specific groups differ from one another.
This statistical approach will provide a rigorous foundation for validating the effects of both
electrode material and electrical configuration on overall EDLC performance.
V. RISK AND SAFETY
Presenter:
This research involves the use of chemical reagents and specialized equipment, so we have
identified the following safety considerations and mitigation measures:
Chemical Hazards: KOH and H3PO4 are corrosive substances. All handling will be conducted
while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment — gloves, lab coats, and goggles — in
a well-ventilated laboratory or fume hood. NMP solvent is also classified as a reproductive
hazard; its use will be minimized, and exposure will be controlled through proper ventilation.
Thermal Hazards: The carbonization and activation process involves high-temperature
furnaces. Only trained personnel will operate these units, following established thermal safety
protocols.
Electrolyte Handling: Organic electrolytes may be flammable. Assembly procedures involving
these materials will follow flammability precautions, including avoiding open flames and using
proper storage containers.
Equipment Safety: The crimping machine used in coin-cell assembly will be operated according
to manufacturer guidelines to avoid physical injury.
Waste Disposal: All chemical waste will be segregated, labeled, and disposed of following
institutional and regulatory guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
VI. EXPECTED OUTCOME AND SIGNIFICANCE
Expected Outcomes:
Based on existing literature and our hypotheses, we expect the coconut shell-derived activated
carbon to exhibit a specific surface area exceeding 1500 m²/g, with well-developed micropores
and mesopores ideal for EDLC electrode use.
The fabricated coin-cell EDLCs are expected to demonstrate substantial specific capacitance,
high power density exceeding 10 kW/kg, and stable cycling performance over extended charge-
discharge cycles.
In series configuration, we anticipate a proportional increase in voltage output — for example,
doubling from 2.7V to 5.4V with two cells — accompanied by a corresponding decrease in total
capacitance. In parallel configuration, total capacitance is expected to scale proportionally while
voltage rating is maintained.
Significance of the Study:
This study contributes to the field of sustainable energy storage in several important ways.
From an environmental and waste valorization perspective, it transforms coconut shells — an
abundant agricultural byproduct in the Philippines — into a high-value electrode material,
promoting circular biomass utilization and reducing agricultural waste.
From an energy and engineering perspective, it provides electrochemical data on the
performance of bio-derived carbon materials in EDLC systems. The insights gained from series
and parallel configuration testing offer practical engineering knowledge for scalable energy
storage applications — including those supporting Philippine grid stabilization and renewable
energy integration.
From a sustainability and cost-effectiveness perspective, coconut shell-derived activated carbon
is a locally available, low-cost alternative to commercial electrode materials, making it highly
relevant for energy storage solutions in developing-country contexts like the Philippines.
CLOSING
Presenter:
In summary, this research proposes a sustainable, locally-sourced solution to a growing national
energy storage challenge. By fabricating and rigorously characterizing coin-cell EDLCs with
coconut shell-derived activated carbon, and evaluating them under series and parallel
conditions, we aim to generate actionable insights for scalable, eco-friendly supercapacitor
development.
We are now open to questions and welcome the panel's feedback. Thank you.
[End of Script]