Electrochemical performance of 3D CuO nanoflowers and g-C3N4/CuO/PAN composite synthesized by thermal decomposition method

Abstract

The synthesis of g-C3N4, CuO, and g-C3N4/CuO/PAN composites was achieved through thermal decomposition, followed by comprehensive characterization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were utilized to analyze structural and morphological details. The formation of 3D CuO nanoflowers occurred at a temperature of 500 °C.Electrochemical experiments, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), were conducted on the g-C3N4, CuO, and g-C3N4/CuO/PAN composites. Incorporating g-C3N4, CuO, and PAN has significantly improved stability, lifespan, capacitance, and charge storage capabilities. The g-C3N4/CuO/PAN composite demonstrated superior electrochemical characteristics compared to g-C3N4 and CuO individually. Specifically, the g-C3N4/CuO/PAN composite exhibited a capacitance of 389 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in 0.5 M H2SO4 with capacitance retention of 99.2 % stability (6000 cycles), outperforming CuO (100 F/g) and g-C3N4 (300 F/g). g-C3N4/CuO/PAN composite has the potential to revolutionize high-energy storage supercapacitors, inspiring a new wave of innovation in the field of energy storage.