Nanosized hyperbranched cobalt and metal-free phthalocyanine intercalated with Pd–C matrix using PVA-TEOS as binder for admirable supercapacitor properties

Abstract

The expanding global economy resulted mainly from consuming fossil fuels, which are scarce and cause prodigious environmental harm. Mankind is shifting towards sustainable, efficient and clean energy sources known as green energy. The storage of green energy is an urge of time, to fulfil the energy requirements. Supercapacitors are gaining popularity in the field of energy storage due to their excellent safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. The forthright strategy of using a nitrogen-rich phthalocyanine macrocycle as a nanosized particle is to increase surface area resulting in a high specific capacitance. Herein, an innovative approach has been made by synthesising nanosized hyperbranched metal-free/Co-Phthalocyanine characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The morphology of the composite was confirmed through physicochemical characterization like BET, SEM, XRD and electrochemical features were studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electrode modification was carried out using the binder Poly (vinyl alcohol)-Tetraethyl orthosilicate (PVA-TEOS) crosslinked hybrid solution. The intercalated nanosized palladium on carbon matrix with HBCoPc and HBPc at different ratios enhanced the performance of capacitance. Amongst all the ratios, HBCoPc: Pd–C with 30:70 ratio has demonstrated superior specific capacitance of 824.25 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. Additionally, the fabricated electrode of HBCoPc: Pd–C and HBPc: Pd–C has exhibited good capacitance retention of 84.03 % and 81.01 % over 5000 cycles, respectively. This work delivers a promising approach towards the development of high-performance supercapacitors using metal phthalocyanine/metal-carbon composites as a new way to manufacture devices for conversion and energy storage.