Facile synthesis of environmental friendly Sm2O3/rGO electrode as an alternative source for energy storage devices

Abstract

Creation of clean and practical energy storage technologies has appeared as one of the most crucial issues of sustainable development in modern world due to significant environmental effects of fossil fuels and the fast growth of the global economy. Supercapacitors are new kind of green energy storage technology exhibited long cycle life, large power density, a broad temperature range, benefits for both the environment and the economy. In this work, Sm2O3/rGO nanocomposite is fabricated via hydrothermal method for supercapacitor application. The material properties are determined by several analytical techniques. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized nanocomposite is measured in small potential window of 0.0–0.7 (Ag/AgCl) under 2.0 M potassium hydroxide (KOH). The electrochemical efficiency of Sm2O3/rGO nanosized composite exhibited the 1356.36 F g−1 specific capacitance (Csp) with a lower Rct of 1.14 Ω. The various stability analysis revealed that the Sm2O3/rGO show stable behavior over 50 h with structural stability after 5000 cycles. The large Csp of Sm2O3/rGO is related to the crystallite size, larger surface area of rGO and synergetic effect of Sm2O3 and rGO. Our results suggest that the fabricated nanohybrid exhibited excellent electrochemical efficiency and it can be utilized to solve further energy related issues.