Anchoring Ultrafine ZnFe2O4/C Nanoparticles on 3D ZnFe2O4 Nanoflakes for Boosting Cycle Stability and Energy Density of Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor.

Abstract

Heterostructure-based metal oxide thin films are recognized as the leading material for new generation, high-performance, stable, and flexible supercapacitors. However, morphologies, like nanoflakes, nanotubes, nanorods, and so forth, have been found to suffer from issues related to poor cycle stability and energy density. Thus, to circumvent these problems, herein, we have developed a low-cost, high surface area, and environmentally benign self-assembled ZnFe2O4 nanoflake@ZnFe2O4/C nanoparticle heterostructure electrode via anchoring ZnFe2O4 and carbon nanoparticles using an in situ biomediated green rotational chemical bath deposition approach for the first time. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 nanoflake@ZnFe2O4/C nanoparticle heterostructure thin films demonstrate an excellent specific capacitance of 1884 F g-1 at a current density of 5 mA cm-2. Additionally, all solid-state flexible asymmetric supercapacitor devices were designed on the basis of ZnFe2O4 nanoflake@ZnFe2O4/C nanoparticle heterostructures as the negative electrode and reduced graphene oxide and energy density of 81 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 3.9 kW kg-1. Similarly, the asymmetric device exhibits ultralong cycle stability of 35 000 cycles by losing only 2% capacitance. The excellent performance of the device is attributed to the self-assembled organization of the heterostructures. Moreover, the in situ biomediated green strategy is also applicable for the synthesis of other metal oxide and carbon-based heterostructure electrodes.