Hydrothermal fabrication of ZnTe/g-CN nanocomposite for supercapacitor application

• Published in: Diamond and related materials 2024-08, Vol.147, p.111307, Article 111307
• Main Authors: Zeshan, Muhammad, Alyousef, Haifa A., Alrowaily, Albandari W., Alotaibi, B.M., Al-Sehemi, Abdullah G., Saleem, Muhammad Imran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cyclic stability; Hydrothermal; Nanosheets; Supercapacitors; ZnTe/g-CN nanocomposite
• ISSN: 0925-9635; 1879-0062
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diamond.2024.111307

The key objectives of supercapacitor technology are enhancing cycle stability, longer working potential and higher specific energy. Hence, this study focuses on the advancement of supercapacitors (SCs) with heightened efficiency and sustainable prolonged cycles. The fabrication of a ZnTe/g-CN nanocomposite, a novel electrode material for supercapacitors is accomplished through the hydrothermal method. Numerous physical tests are carried out to appraise the structural and morphological characteristics of the materials. A physical investigation is conducted to ascertain physiochemical properties of the materials. The electrochemical activity was determined in an alkaline medium with concentration of 2 M KOH, using 3-electrode setup. The composite materials exhibited outstanding results in comparison to its individual elements, demonstrating a specific capacitance (Csp = 913.40 F g−1) at applied current density (Cd = 1 A g−1). Furthermore, the composite exhibited an exemplary energy density (Ed = 35.36 W h kg−1) at power density of (Pd = 264 W kg−1) while retaining excellent cyclic stability up to 6000th cycles. It is essential to recognize that the ZnTe/g-CN composite materials exhibit a significantly low value of charge transfer resistance (Rct = 0.13Ω) which indicate remarkable electrochemical performance. Based on these findings, a new method of fabricating materials using g-CN and metal telluride can be put into practice. Many energies efficient devices depend on these materials for the storage of electrochemical energy, which may be fabricated in large quantity. [Display omitted]