Nanoengineering of novel MXene (Ti3C2Tx) based MgCr2O4 nanocomposite with detailed synthesis, morphology and characterization for enhanced energy storage application

Abstract

In this study, we presented a novel approach involving the co-precipitation synthesis of a two-dimensional MXene nanocomposite with spinel magnesiochromite MgCr2O4. The resulting nanocomposite was comprehensively characterized. The synthesized nanomaterial exhibited an average crystallite size of approximately 6.85 nm, and its surface morphology confirmed the presence of agglomerated grains with the elemental composition being confirmed by EDS spectra. Raman spectra provided evidence of prominent molecular vibrations, while photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed significant electron-hole recombination within the nanocomposite, leading to a reduced bandgap as corroborated by UV–Vis spectra. Zeta potential measurements shows minimum value of −19.9 mV comparable to MXene zeta potential value –23 mV indicating maximum stability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectra highlighted a minimal charge-transfer resistance value of 64.99 Ω in a basic electrolyte, resulting electron transfer rate value about 4.097 × 10−9 (S/cm) resulting maximum conduction. Electrode capacitive behavior in both acidic (0.1 M H2SO4) and basic media (1 M KOH) demonstrates the potential of this novel nanocomposite material with the maximum capacitance value of 542.6F/g observed in basic media in comparison to the minimum capacitance value of 454.1F/g in acidic media. From GCD analysis, maximum power density of 271.2 kW/kg with an energy density value of 14.58 kWh/kg is achieved. These findings underscore its applicability in energy storage applications partially in the context of supercapacitors.