Performance of an activated carbon supercapacitor electrode synthesised from waste Compact Discs (CDs)

[Display omitted] •Novel route to synthesize activated carbon for supercapacitor electrode using waste CDs as precursor.•Highest surface area of 1214.25m2g−1 was achieved at 900°C temperature and 8h activation time.•Waste CDs derived activated carbon exhibited specific capacitance of 51 Fg-1 and cycle stability of 80% upto 800 cycles.•This sustainable route will reduce huge volume of waste CDs from landfill by creating alternative activated carbon resource. Microporous activated carbon was synthesised using waste compact discs as precursor through physical activation method for supercapacitor electrode application. The activated carbon prepared at 900°C for a time interval of 8h showed highest surface area of 1214.25m2g−1. The electrochemical measurements showed that waste CDs derived activated carbon exhibited good specific capacitance, cycle stability and good rate capability compared to other waste derived activated carbon. The specific capacitance 51Fg−1 at the current density of 10mVs−1 and energy density of 21.43Whkg−1 at power density 0.7kWkg−1 was achieved in non-aqueous electrolyte.