Nanocomposite Electrode Materials Research Articles

Nickel Oxide-Incorporated Polyaniline Nanocomposites as an Efficient Electrode Material for Supercapacitor Application

This work reports the facile, controlled, and low-cost synthesis of a nickel oxide and polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites-based electrode material for supercapacitor application. PANI-NiO nanocomposites with varying concentrations of NiO were synthesized via in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. The XRD and FTIR support the interaction of PANI with NiO and the successful formation of the PANI-NiO-x nanocomposite. The SEM analysis showed that the NiO and PANI were mixed homogenously, in which the NiO nanomaterial was incorporated in porous PANI globular nanostructures. The multiple phases of the nanocomposite electrode material enhance the overall performance of the energy-storage behavior of the supercapacitor that was tested in 1 M H2SO4 using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Among the different nanocomposites, PANI-NiO-3 exhibit the specific capacitance of a 623 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density. Furthermore, the PANI-NiO-3 electrode retained 89.4% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles of GCD at a 20 A g−1 current density, indicating its significant cyclic stability. Such results suggest that PANI-NiO nanocomposite could be proposed as an appropriate electrode material for supercapacitor applications.

Novel synthesis of layeredMoS2/TiO2/CNTnanocomposite as a potential electrode for high performance supercapacitor applications

This work is aimed to synthesize hybrid nanocomposite electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are incorporated into MoS2 as well as TiO2 to form different hybrid electrode materials such as MoS2/CNTs, TiO2/CNTs, and MoS2/TiO2/CNTs in an effort to improve the electrochemical performance. The resulting hybrid electrode materials are examined by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman studies. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests are used to evaluate the specific capacitance and charge-discharge stability of the synthesized MoS2/TiO2/CNTs. Among the hybrid electrode materials investigated, the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs exhibits superior electrochemical performance with specific capacitance of 1252.57 mA h/g at a scan rate 20 mV/s as compared with MoS2/CNTs (810.53 mA h/g), TiO2/CNTs (607.10 mA h/g), and CNTs (204.35 mA h/g). All electrochemical tests were carried out in a solution of 1 M KOH. The Rct and Rf for the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs electrode were found to be 1.7 Ω.cm2 and 2.1 Ω.cm2, respectively, which were significantly lower than the corresponding Rct (40.2 Ω.cm2) and Rf (51.1 Ω.cm2) for the CNTs electrode, indicating that the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs has a significantly lower overall impedance, which could be one of the key factors responsible for the improved electrochemical performance of the MoS2/TiO2/CNTs. Moreover, this MoS2/TiO2/CNTs hybrid electrode displays good cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 98.83% after 10 000 cycles of charge-discharge at 1 A/g. The energy density and power density of MoS2/TiO2/CNTs composites are found to be 757.80 Wh/kg and 4546.80 W/kg respectively.

Nanomagnetic strontium ferrite nitrogen doped carbon (SrFe2O4-NC): Synthesis, characterization and excellent supercapacitor performance

A novel nitrogen-doped carbon strontium ferrite (SrFe2O4-NC) nanocomposite with a particle size of 8–10 nm was obtained using the polymeric route. Bimetallic precursors based on iron (III) and strontium chloride were produced with urea and formaldehyde polymers and the precursors were heated at 700 °C in an inert atmosphere to form the SrFe2O4-NC nanocomposite with high surface area (approximately 170.4 m2/g). The prepared SrFe2O4-NC nanocomposite shows ferromagnetic nature with saturation magnetization value of approximately 15 emu/g. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the supercapacitor capabilities of the SrFe2O4-NC nanocomposite were investigated in 5 M KOH. The SrFe2O4-NC nanocomposite electrode material demonstrates a higher specific capacitance of approximately 895 F/g. High performance of the supercapacitor could be due to their good cyclic stability, high charge - discharge rate, and high energy density. As a result, our focus was on the fabrication of cost-effective and higher performance electrode materials.

N-doped graphene modulated N-rich carbon nitride realizing a promising all-solid-state flexible supercapacitor

The fabrication of flexible supercapacitors comprising highly conducting energy storage electrode material catering high capacity, energy density and longer stability without cell deformation is a challenging task. Herein, we develop unique g-C3N4.7/N-doped graphene nanocomposite electrode material which shows robust charge storage characteristics via reducing the interfacial resistivity. A flexible all-solid-state symmetric device is assembled by employing g-C3N4.7/N-doped graphene composite and redox active ([EMIM][BF4]/PVDF/KOH/p-phenylenediamine) electrolyte cum separator. It delivers a high areal capacitance of 141 mF cm−2, power density of 0.70 mW cm−2 and an energy density of 0.047 mWh cm−2 at 1.11 mA cm−2 current density with 98.9% capacity retention at 2.2 V potential till 18,000 cycles and nearly 95% Coulombic efficiency till 20,000 cycles. Bending angle-based performance studies indicate the stability of capacity at any bending angles (0, 35, 60, 90, 150, 180°). The key to the significant functioning of the cell is ascribed to the advantageous synergism involved in g-C3N4.7/N-doped graphene nanocomposite, high surface area and mesoporous structure endowing high electrode-electrolyte interface interaction sites along with enhancement in the electronic conductivity as evidenced.

Performance Studies of Biomass Derived RHAC and MgO Nanocomposite Electrode Materials for Supercapacitor Applications

The electrode materials for supercapacitors based on biomass-produced Rice Husk Activated Carbon (RHAC) and RHAC+50% MgO nanocomposite are compared in this article. The crystallinity, structural morphology, and crystalline size of the particles were determined using microstructural and electrochemical characterization. Scanning Electron Microscope and X-Ray Diffraction techniques were used to determine the surface morphology and crystallinity of the materials. The XRD results reveal that RHAC which has broad peaks indicates amorphous nature whereas RHAC+50% MgO nanocomposite which has sharp peaks exhibits crystalline nature. The RHAC+50% MgO nanocomposite electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 220.52 F/g however RHAC electrode exhibited only 162.91 F/g at a scan rate of 2mV/s by Cyclic Voltammetry in 1 M KOH electrolyte. After 2500 cycles of Galvanic charge-discharge, it was discovered that RHAC+50% MgO nanocomposite has capacitance retention of 76.71% and RHAC has capacitance retention of 80.49%.

Pseudocapacitivebehavior of coin-like NiO/r-GO nanocomposites as an efficient electrode material for energy storage application

ABSTRACT Herein, a novel coin like NiO/r-GO nanocomposite was synthesised by the facial hydrothermal method. The prepared materials were used as an anode material for supercapacitors in the aqueous KOH electrolyte solution. The phase purity and crystal structure, morphology, chemical composition, chemical oxidation state of the prepared samples were studied by Powder XRD, FE-SEM with elemental mapping, TEM, and XPS techniques.The FE-SEM and TEM analysis of NiO/r-GO composite possesses a coin-like NiO morphology with covered r-GO nanosheets and an average size of 200 ± 50 nm. The prepared NiO/r-GO nanocomposite electrode material exhibits a high specific capacity of 115Cg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1, which is high rate capability, and stable GCD cycling performance (98% retention after 5000 successive charge-discharge cycles at 10 Ag−1).

Fabrication and characterizations of hybrid materials based on polyaniline, metal oxide, and graphene nano-platelets for supercapacitor electrodes

MnO2 nanowires were synthesized through the hydrothermal method that is used to fabricate the nanocomposite of polyaniline, MnO2, and Graphene nanoplatelets. The nanocomposites MnO2/polyaniline/Graphene-nanoplatelets-1 (MPG-1) and MnO2/polyaniline/Graphene nano-platelets-2 (MPG-2) were synthesized by in-situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of surfactants e.g., N-N-N-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ammonium persulfate (APS) under ice-cold conditions. A homogenous dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets within the polymer was achieved due to the good surfactants. Due to moderate reaction conditions, the structural and electrochemical properties of all materials e.g. nanowires and nanocomposites were well maintained. These chemical, thermal, electrical, and structural properties were studied through SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and electrochemical characterizations. The nanocomposite electrode materials were used for supercapacitive characterizations and had shown a high specific capacitance of 160Fg−1, 218Fg−1, and 330Fg−1 at 5 mVs−1 current density with good cyclic stability. These synthesized electrode materials exhibited very good energy and power densities with the value of 5.63 ∼ Wh/kg and 1417.34 W/kg respectively at different scan rates.

In situ engineering of highly conductive TiO2/carbon heterostructure fibers for enhanced electrocatalytic degradation of water pollutants

Rational design of nanocomposite electrode materials with high conductivity, activity, and mechanical strength is critical in electrocatalysis. Herein, freestanding, flexible heteronanocomposites were fabricated in situ by carbonizing electrospun fibers with TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface for electrocatalytic degradation of water pollutants. The carbonization temperature was observed as a dominant parameter affecting the characteristics of the electrodes. As the carbonization temperature increased to 1000 °C, the conductivity of the electrode was significantly enhanced due to the high degree of graphitization (ID/IG ratio 1.10) and the dominant rutile phase. Additionally, the formation of TiO2 protrusions and the C-Ti heterostructure were observed at 1000 °C, which contributed to increasing the electrocatalytic activity. When 1.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was employed, electrocatalytic experiments using the electrode achieved 90% degradation of crystal violet and 10.9–87.5% for an array of micropollutants. The electrical energy-per-order (EEO) for the removal of crystal violet was 0.7 kWh/m3/order, indicative of low-energy requirement. The efficient electrocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the fast electron transfer and the strong ability to generate hydroxyl radicals. Our findings expand efforts for the design of highly conductive heteronanocomposites in a facile in situ approach, providing a promising perspective for the energy-efficient electrocatalytic degradation of water pollutants.

Investigations on the capacitive behaviour of hydrothermally synthesised cadmium meta niobate incorporated reduced graphene oxide hybrid nanocomposite electrode material

Investigations on the capacitive behaviour of hydrothermally synthesised cadmium meta niobate incorporated reduced graphene oxide hybrid nanocomposite electrode material

Comparative analysis on electrochemical properties of CeO2/rGO and CeO2/MoS2 nanocomposites for supercapacitor applications

The supercapacitor is an intriguing future energy storage device. 2D nanomaterials such as Graphene oxide (GO) and MoS2 are well-known electrostatic double layer capacitance (EDLC) based electrode materials. In the present work, the effect of compositing CeO2 with GO and MoS2 on their electrochemical performance has been investigated. The crystal structure of the pure CeO2 and composites were confirmed by XRD analysis. Raman spectroscopic analysis revealed the F2g vibration mode of CeO2, D and G bands of GO nanosheets. SEM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of CeO2 nanoparticle and sheets like morphology of rGO and MoS2. The SEM images of composites show the presence of spherical particles and nanosheets, which confirm the formation of CeO2/rGO and CeO2/MoS2 nanocomposites. The electrochemical characteristics of CeO2/rGO and CeO2/MoS2 nanocomposites-based electrode materials were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry (CP), and EIS analyses. The CeO2, CeO2/MoS2, and CeO2/rGO electrodes exhibited the specific capacitance of 660, 866, and 959 Fg-1, respectively at 5mVs-1. Due to the synergistic effect of CeO2 with rGO and MoS2, the CeO2/rGO and CeO2/MoS2 nanocomposite electrode materials have shown improved energy storage performance compared to pure CeO2.

Lignin-based composites for high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials.

With the rapid development of the global economy, the depletion of fossil fuels and the intensification of environmental pollution, there is an increasingly urgent need for new and green electrochemical energy storage technologies in society. In this thesis, ligninsulfonate/polyaniline nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidation using aniline as the monomer, lignin as the template and dopant, and ammonium persulfate as the oxidant. The results showed that the average diameter of the ligninsulfonate/polyaniline nanocomposite was 85 nm, and the composite electrode exhibited good electron conduction ability and excellent capacitive performance by ligninsulfonate doping. The electrode material showed the best electrochemical performance when the ligninsulfonate addition was 0.1 g. The specific capacitance can reach 553.7 F g−1 under the current density of charge/discharge 1 A g−1, which is higher than that of the pure PANI electrode. The composite electrode material has good multiplicative performance and cycling stability, and the capacitance retention rate can be maintained at 68.01% after 5000 cycles at a charge/discharge current density of 10 A g−1 (three-electrode system), and the capacitance retention rate can be maintained at 54.84% after 5000 cycles at a charge/discharge current density of 5 A g−1 (two-electrode system).

Continuously Reinforced Carbon Nanotube Film Sea-Cucumber-like Polyaniline Nanocomposites for Flexible Self-Supporting Energy-Storage Electrode Materials.

The charge storage mechanism and capacity of supercapacitors completely depend on the electrochemical and mechanical properties of electrode materials. Herein, continuously reinforced carbon nanotube film (CNTF), as the flexible support layer and the conductive skeleton, was prepared via the floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method. Furthermore, a series of novel flexible self-supporting CNTF/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite electrode materials were prepared by cyclic voltammetry electrochemical polymerization (CVEP), with aniline and mixed-acid-treated CNTF film. By controlling the different polymerization cycles, it was found that the growth model, morphology, apparent color, and loading amount of the PANI on the CNTF surface were different. The CNTF/PANI-15C composite electrode, prepared by 15 cycles of electrochemical polymerization, has a unique surface, with a “sea-cucumber-like” 3D nanoprotrusion structure and microporous channels formed via the stacking of the PANI nanowires. A CNTF/PANI-15C flexible electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance, 903.6 F/g, and the highest energy density, 45.2 Wh/kg, at the current density of 1 A/g and the voltage window of 0 to 0.6 V. It could maintain 73.9% of the initial value at a high current density of 10 A/g. The excellent electrochemical cycle and structural stabilities were confirmed on the condition of the higher capacitance retention of 95.1% after 2000 cycles of galvanostatic charge/discharge, and on the almost unchanged electrochemical performances after 500 cycles of bending. The tensile strength of the composite electrode was 124.5 MPa, and the elongation at break was 18.9%.

A Multi-Energy System Cluster Operation Optimization Method Based on Nanocomposite Electrode Materials Energy Storage Equipment

A cluster operation optimization method of multi-energy system is proposed based on nanocomposite electrode materials energy storage in this paper, aiming at the difficulty in power balance coordination control of regional-level multi-energy systems due to the rapid growth of renewable energy power generation. In this method, the dynamic influence of nanocomposite electrode materials on the peak power of energy storage is fully considered. The power balance adjustment capability of the multi-energy system is effectively improved by this method. First, an operation optimization control model of multi-energy system cluster based on nanocomposite electrode materials energy storage equipment is established based on the peak power of energy storage, the joint response of renewable energy, thermal and hydrogen energy, and the operation characteristics of multi-energy systems. Then, the multi-energy system cluster coordinated operation strategy model and its solution algorithm based on the maximum renewable energy consumption and operating benefit are studied. Finally, a PSCAD simulation model based on the IEEE 14-nodes system is established. The simulation results and analysis show that the multi-energy system cluster operation optimization model based on nanocomposite electrode material energy storage equipment can effectively improve the power balance ability of the multi-energy system under the condition of the uncertainty of renewable energy. And this method can reduce the cost of grid operation and power regulation, and improve the efficiency of refined energy management of energy storage.

Layered Polyaniline–Manganese Oxide Nanocomposite Electrode Material for Supercapacitor Application

AbstractIn the present research work, layered nanocomposite of polyaniline–manganese oxide (PANI/MnO2) electrodes is synthesized using the potentiostatic electrodeposition method. The structural and morphological properties of the nanocomposite electrode materials are tested using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques. The XRD analysis shows the amorphous nature of the electrode material. The FE‐SEM micrographs show porous morphology. The supercapacitive properties are investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge‐discharge, cyclic stability, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The layered nanocomposites show maximum values of specific capacitance which is 582 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1. The synergistic effect of layered nanocomposite leads to enhancement in the supercapacitive performance than the pristine electrode.

Synthesis of Metal Sulfide and Oxide Nanocomposites for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Due to the increase in the use of renewable energy and its unsteady nature, energy storage and distribution system has been getting significant attention during the last two decades. To establish an efficient energy storage system, large capacity supercapacitors together with secondary batteries are essential. Numerous researchers have been trying to develop high performance supercapacitor electrode materials. As the EDLC-type supercapacitors showed limitations in energy density, composites of graphene, CNT, or carbon nano-onion (CNO)-based metal sulfides (or oxides) have been synthesized to achieve high performance of supercapacitors. Other sophisticated metal oxide materials such as MXene, metal organic framework (MOF), and perovskite as well as hydroxide materials such as layered double hydroxide (LDH) have also been studied. Also, three-dimensional hollow electrode structure has been getting attention as it provides a large surface area and large pores that allow electrolytes and charges penetrate freely. In this study, we introduce high-performance metal sulfide and oxide nanocomposite electrode materials and their fabrications for supercapacitor devices.

Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Jet (DBDjet) Processed Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polypyrrole/Chitosan Nanocomposite Supercapacitors.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and/or polypyrrole (PPy) are mixed with chitosan (CS) binder materials for screen-printing supercapacitors (SCs) on arc atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ)-treated carbon cloth. The performance of gel-electrolyte rGO/CS, PPy/CS, and rGO/PPy/CS SCs processed by a dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet (DBDjet) was assessed and compared. DBDjet processing improved the hydrophilicity of these three nanocomposite electrode materials. Electrochemical measurements including electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charging-discharging (GCD) were used to evaluate the performance of the three types of SCs. The Trasatti method was used to evaluate the electric-double layer capacitance (EDLC) and pseudocapacitance (PC) of the capacitance. The energy and power density of the three types of SCs were illustrated and compared using Ragone plots. Our experiments verify that, with the same weight of active materials, the combined use of rGO and PPy in SCs can significantly increase the capacitance and improve the operation stability.

Highly efficient asymmetric supercapacitor-based on Ni-Co oxides intercalated graphene as positive and Fe2O3 doped graphene as negative electrodes

Asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) technique is introduced as promising and efficient energy storage devices due to their fast charging process and high-power density. A simple and green approach was introduced to fabricate mixed Co3O4/NiO intercalated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets as ternary nanocomposite electrode materials for ASC applications. Herein, a Co3O4/NiO/rGO ternary nanocomposite was successfully fabricated using a hydrothermal method. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were utilized to elucidate the morphological shape and chemical surface analysis for the fabricated materials. Comparing the prepared samples, the ternary nanocomposite demonstrated a good capacitance value of 485.6 F/g at a current density of 2 A/g, good cycling stability, and low equivalent series resistance. The ASC was assembled using the Co3O4/NiO/rGO electrode as positive electrode and Fe2O3/rGO binary composite as the negative electrode. The proposed configuration design of ASC achieved a high energy density (37.83 W h /kg) at a high-power density of (750 W/kg) and a long life-time (86.9%) of over 6000 cycles. The ASC configuration design of Co3O4/NiO/rGO nanocomposites//Fe2O3/rGO opens new doors for promising green, economic, and efficient material-based supercapacitors.

Synthesis of Molybdenum Sulfide/Tellurium Hetero-Composite by a Simple One-Pot Hydrothermal Technique for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Material.

It is necessary to investigate effective energy storage devices that can fulfill the requirements of short-term and long-term durable energy outputs. Here, we report a simple one-pot hydrothermal technique through which to fabricate the MoS2/Te nanocomposite to be used as an effective electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. Comprehensive characterization of the as-fabricated nanomaterial was performed using FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, etc., as well as electrochemical characterizations. The electrochemical characterization of the as-fabricated nanocomposite electrode material showed a high specific capacitance of 402.53 F g−1 from a galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) profile conducted at 1 A g−1 current density. The electrode material also showed significant rate performance with high cyclic stability reaching up to 92.30% under 4000 cycles of galvanostatic charge-discharge profile at a current density of 10 A g−1. The highly encouraging results obtained using this simple synthetic approach demonstrate that the hetero-structured nanocomposite of MoS2/Te electrode material could serve as a promising composite to use in effective supercapacitors or energy storage devices.

Green Synthesized Carbon Quantum Dots/Cobalt Sulfide Nanocomposite as Efficient Electrode Material for Supercapacitors

In the present work, carbon quantum dots/CoS2 nanocomposite (CQDs/CoS2) was prepared through a solvent-free ball milling route followed by solvothermal treatment. The CQDs were prepared first by a green catalyst-free microwave-assisted procedure from glycerol, as a single precursor, with a quantum yield of ∼16%. Then, a ball mill–hydrothermal combination method was used to synthesize CQDs/CoS2 with edged bricklike morphology. Benefiting from advantageous features of large specific surface area (427.2 m2 g–1), unique nanostructure with high mesoporosity, and greater electronic conductivity, the as-synthesized CQDs/CoS2 nanocomposite electrode material displays a rather high specific pseudocapacitance, about 808 F g–1 at 1 A g–1 current density, a high rate capability with 83.9% capacity retention rate at 20 A g–1, and good cycling stability of 98.75% over 10 000 charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g–1. The attained results support the suitability of CQDs/CoS2 nanocomposite as a desired material for future high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices.

Highly soluble polythiophene-based strontium-doped NiO nanocomposite for effective electrochemical detection of catechol in contaminated water

Water-soluble conductive polymers are crucial for the development of sensor fabrication materials for the detection of water-soluble analytes. Polythiophene was considered as an excellent candidate because of its admirable optoelectronic properties. This work describes the synthesis of strontium-doped NiO nanocomposite (Sr-NiO) with water-soluble polythiophene (P3ThA). Improved interaction between Sr-NiO and polythiophene was achieved with acetic acid pendant group functionalization onto the polymer, and the resultant polymer nanocomposite was examined with various analytical tools. The as-synthesized Sr-NiO@P3ThA nanocomposite was employed as an effective nanocomposite electrode material for the electrochemical detection of ecotoxic catechol (CC). The modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) exhibited an exceptional electrocatalytic performance because of its synergistic effect of Sr-NiO nanoparticles with water-soluble P3ThA. The Sr-NiO@P3ThA-modified electrode showed the calibration curve for CC detection using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique, with a linear range of 0.009–14.1 and 14.1–404 µM and a detection limit of 6.5 nM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the Sr-NiO@P3ThA-modified electrode demonstrated good selectivity and sensitivity and was not influenced by interference moieties. The fabricated material was successfully utilized to detect catechol in river water and tap water in Taiwan. Overall, an eco-friendly, water-soluble, simple, sensitive, and selective approach was established to determine catechol contaminations in water resources.