Nanoscale synergy: Optimizing energy storage with SnO2 quantum dots on ZnO hexagonal prisms for advanced supercapacitors

• Published in: Nanotechnology reviews (Berlin) 2024-08, Vol.13 (1), p.261-76
• Main Authors: Akkinepally, Bhargav, Sri Harisha, Bairi, Nadar, Nandini Robin, Nazir, Muhammad Altaf, Tighezza, Ammar M., Das, Himadri Tanaya, Reddy, Itheereddi Neelakanta, Shim, Jaesool, Choi, Dongwhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Capacitance; Cost analysis; Cost effectiveness; Current density; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemistry; Electrode materials; Electrodes; Electrons; Energy charge; Energy storage; Prisms; Quantum dots; SnO; sno2 quantum dots; Structure-function relationships; Supercapacitors; symmetric supercapacitor; Tin dioxide; Zinc oxide; ZnO hexagonal prisms
• ISSN: 2191-9089; 2191-9097
• DOI: 10.1515/ntrev-2024-0047

Electrode materials comprising SnO quantum dots embedded within ZnO hexagonal prisms were successfully synthesized for building cost-effective energy-storage devices. Extensive structural and functional characterizations were performed to assess the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. SEM–EDS results confirm a uniform distribution of SnO quantum dots across ZnO. The integration of SnO quantum dots with ZnO hexagonal prisms markedly improved the electrochemical behavior. The analysis of electrode functionality conducted in a 3 M KOH electrolyte revealed specific capacitances of 949.26 and 700.68 F g⁻ for SnO @ZnO and ZnO electrodes, respectively, under a current density of 2 A g⁻ . After undergoing 5,000 cycles at a current density of 15 A g⁻ , the SnO @ZnO and ZnO electrodes displayed impressive cycling stability, maintaining specific capacitance retention rates of 89.9 and 92.2%, respectively. Additionally, a symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device constructed using the SnO @ZnO electrode showcased exceptional performance, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 83 F g⁻ at 1.2 A g⁻ . Impressive power and energy densities were achieved by the device, with values reaching 2,808 and 70.2 W kg⁻ , respectively. Notably, the SnO @ZnO SSC device maintained a capacity preservation of 75% throughout 5,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge sequences. The outcomes highlight the potential of SnO @ZnO hexagonal prisms as candidates for energy-storage applications, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness. The proposed approach enhances the electrochemical performance while ensuring affordability, facilitating the creation of effective and financially feasible energy storage solutions.