Ti2CTx–MXene aerogel based ultra–stable Zn–ion supercapacitor

• Published in: Composites communications 2023-02, Vol.38, Article 101493
• Main Authors: Mateen, Abdul, Ansari, Mohd Zahid, Hussain, Iftikhar, Eldin, Sayed M., Albaqami, Munirah D., Bahajjaj, Aboud Ahmed A., Javed, Muhammad Sufyan, Peng, Kui-Qing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cathode; Energy storage; MXene aerogel; Pseudocapacitive; Zn–ion supercapacitor
• ISSN: 2452-2139; 2452-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2023.101493

Zn–ion supercapacitors (ZISCs) have emerged as a potential technology for energy storage applications because of their rich natural resources, eco–friendly nature, and excellent safety. However, the development of ZISC is in its early stages, and work on cathode materials is still required to significantly improve the charge storage ability. Herein, ZISC is assembled by combining zinc metal anode and Ti2CTx–MXene aerogel (MXene–A) as a cathode (denoted by MXene–A//Zn). The MXene–A cathode material provides high structural stability, an abundance of active sites, and an excess of open channels, which allow rapid ion diffusion. The MXene–A//Zn exhibits a high specific capacitance of 233.5 F/g at 1 A/g, with capacitance retention of 98.3% after 5000 cycles and Coulombic–efficiency close to 99%. The MXene–A//Zn exhibited outstanding charge performance, and the capacitive mechanism is predominant in total charge (73.6% at 4 mV/s). Additionally, the MXene–A//Zn demonstrates a maximum energy density of 129.83 W h/kg at a power density of 1000.8 W/kg. This work introduces a novel approach to the design of energy storage devices with enhanced electrochemical performance. •Ti2CTx–MXene aerogel was synthesized by freeze–draying technique.•The MXene–A shows high surface area (129 m2/g) with metallic properties.•The MXene–An exhibits good electrochemical properties with enhanced Zn2+ diffusion.•The assembled ZISC (MXene–A//Zn) delivers an ultra–high energy density of 129.83 W h/kg at 1000.8 W/kg.