Synergetic supercapattery: Stitching of cobalt zinc manganese oxide and polyaniline matrix for efficient energy storage applications

Abstract

Optimizing energy storage performance requires the integration of both battery and supercapacitor advantages into a hybrid device. This study focuses on the strategic combination of positive (battery-like) and negative (electrical double layer, EDL) electrode materials in a single device, known as a supercapattery. Cobalt zinc manganese oxide (CZMO) ternary composite and polyaniline (PANI) are synthesized via hydrothermal and polymerization methods, respectively. The CZMO/PANI composite is prepared using a physical blending method. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the composition of CZMO/PANI, while surface morphological analysis (FESEM and HRTEM) demonstrated successful intercalation between CZMO nanorods and the PANI matrix. XPS and BET analyses are employed to examine the chemical composition and surface area of the composite. Electrochemical performance of CZMO, PANI, and CZMO/PANI is individually analyzed using a three-electrode system. It is evident that the CZMO/PANI composite exhibits a better specific capacity (340 C g−1) than CZMO and PANI. The two-electrode system (device), embodying CZMO/PANI as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, exhibits promising Specific energy 30.75 Wh kg−1 and specific power 820 W kg−1. Based on these results, it is evident that the CZMO/PANI composite will be a viable option for supercapattery applications.