Pr2CuO4/MWCNT/MXene/PANI: A novel quaternary composite with tunable properties for potential applications in optoelectronics and energy storage devices

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2025-01, Vol.1010, p.177264, Article 177264
• Main Authors: Shahid, Alvena, Kayani, Zohra Nazir, Sahar, Madia, Shahid, Easha, Riaz, Saira, Naseem, Shahzad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cyclic stability; Energy storage; Multi-walled nanotube; MXene; Optical property; Polyaniline; Supercapacitor
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.177264

Pr2CuO4/MXene/MWCNT and PANI composites were synthesized for symmetric supercapacitor applications using a simple hydrothermal and in-situ polymerization technique. Pr2CuO4/ MXene/MWCNT and PANI were of ratios 40:60 (PC1), 50:50 (PC2), and 60:40 (PC3). Composites had a tetragonal single phase of Pr2CuO4 with a preferred orientation peak along (103) plane. FTIR confirmed functional bands of all constituents of the composite. Porous morphology was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) beneficial for energy storage capacity. The PC2 Composite possessed the widest absorption range and the smallest band gap energy. The dielectric constant of PC2, was the highest than pure Pr2CuO4 and the other composites. Coercivity and saturation magnetization for the composites decreased with decreasing Pr2CuO4 percentage, producing less eddy currents, which reduced energy dissipation and contributed to the increased efficiency of capacitors and inductors. The best ratio of Pr2CuO4/ MXene/MWCNT and PANI was 50:50 for increasing rate capability. This ratio enhanced surface area, charge storage capacity, specific capacity, and impedance behaviour. The optimized PC2 (Pr2CuO4/MXene/MWCNT: PANI 50:50) electrode exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance, achieving volumetric and gravimetric capacitance values of 2611.47 Fg−1 at 2 Ag−1. This enhanced performance can be explained by the combined effects of Pr2CuO4/MWCNT/PANI, which actively promoted pseudocapacitance and impeded MXene restacking. An excellent candidate for advanced energy storage systems, the electrode has an energy density of 58.032 Whkg−1 and remarkable rate capabilities. [Display omitted] •Pr2CuO4/MXene/MWCNT and PANI composites were synthesized by simple hydrothermal and in-situ polymerization technique.•Pr2CuO4/ MXene/MWCNT and PANI were of ratios 40:60 (PC1), 50:50 (PC2), and 60:40 (PC3).•Composites had a tetragonal single phase of Pr2CuO4.•Porous morphology was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).•The PC2 composite has the smallest band gap energy and the highest dielectric constant.•The optimized PC2 electrode achieved capacitance values of 2611.47 Fg−1 and energy density of 58.032 Whkg−1 at 2 Ag−1.