New reaction chemistry may reduce the energy input and carbon dioxide emissions from processes that convert coal into liquid fuels.

The valorization of a South African paper mill waste sludge into an activated biocarbon electrode material for energy storage application is reported. The valorization method is a two-step synthesis that comprises hydrothermal carbonization and NaOH activation of paper mill waste at 700 °C to produce activated biocarbon. The development of high porosity carbon material with a surface area of 1139 m²/g was observed. The synthesized biocarbon electrode exhibited good specific capacitance (C _sp) values of 206 and 157 Fg^-1, from a three-electrode cell in neutral (1 M Na₂SO₄) and alkali (3 M KOH) electrolytes, respectively. The electrolyte concentration purportedly has a considerable effect on specific capacitance. In both electrolytes, symmetric triangular curves in galvanostatic charge-discharge point to a quick charge-discharge process. Synthesized material testing with a two-electrode cell in 3 M KOH and 1 M Na₂SO₄ electrolytes, respectively, delivered specific capacitances of 125 and 152 Fg^-1, with the corresponding energy densities of 17.4 and 21.1 Wh kg^-1. The material had capacity retention efficiencies of 83 and 92% after 5000 cycles in 3 M KOH and 1 M Na₂SO₄ electrolytes, respectively. The electrode material performance of the activated biocarbon from paper sludge clearly shows its potential for electrochemical energy storage. The reported results present an exciting potential contribution of the pulp and paper industry toward the transition to green energy.