How do carbonization and activation processes determine activated carbon quality for supercapacitors?

How do carbonization and activation processes determine activated carbon quality for supercapacitors?
Activated carbon for supercapacitors, whether from coconut shell, petroleum coke, or phenolic resin, follows a similar production route: carbonization, activation, purification, drying, deoxygenation, and grinding. Carbonization under inert atmosphere removes volatile components, leaving disordered graphite microcrystals. Activation then opens blocked pores through reactions with activating agents, progressing through three stages: initial pore widening, deeper pore development and merging, and formation of new pores at exposed active sites. By tuning activation temperature, time, and agent dosage, manufacturers can control specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size distribution—critical parameters for electrochemical performance. This technical overlap means established capacitor carbon producers also possess capabilities for hard carbon anodes, blurring the line between energy storage material categories.