Production of ZnFe2O4 Doped Carbon Cloth-Based Flexible Composite Electrodes for Supercapacitors

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to develop carbon cloth-based (CC) ZnFe2O4 doped super capacitor electrode. For this purpose, cotton fabric was first carbonized in a nitrogen atmosphere at 800 °C and turned into a conductive substrate. Then, metal oxide with ZnFe2O4 spinel structure was synthesized from the chlorinated compounds of Zn and Fe elements by hydrothermal method on carbon fabric surfaces. In the results of the XRD analysis of the produced electrodes, it was determined that the ZnFe2O4 structure was successfully synthesized, but some Fe3O4 and ZnO structures were formed. In the SEM analysis, it was observed that the synthesized structures were formed to completely cover the CC surfaces. Three-electrode system and 3 M KOH were used for the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Specific capacitance measurements were performed starting from 5 mV/s scanning speed to 100 mV/s scanning speed. According to the results obtained, it was determined that the highest capacitance value was 66 F/g at 5 mV/s speed, the energy density was 2.95 Wh/kg, and the amount of stored charge was 159 C. As a result, it can be said that flexible supercapacitors have been successfully developed, but higher capacitance values can be achieved by optimizing the production conditions.