Novel Quaternary Chalcogenide/Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Asymmetric Supercapacitor with High Energy Density.

In this work we have synthesized quaternary chalcogenide Cu2NiSnS4 (QC) nanoparticles grown in situ on 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for application as anode material of solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). Thorough characterization of the synthesized composite validates the proper phase, stoichiometry, and morphology. Detailed electrochemical study of the electrode materials and ASCs has been performed. The as-fabricated device delivers an exceptionally high areal capacitance (655.1 mF cm-2), which is much superior to that of commercial micro-supercapacitors. Furthermore, a remarkable volumetric capacitance of 16.38 F cm-3 is obtained at a current density of 5 mA cm-2 combined with a very high energy density of 5.68 mW h cm-3, which is comparable to that of commercially available lithium thin film batteries. The device retains 89.2% of the initial capacitance after running for 2000 cycles, suggesting its long-term capability. Consequently, the enhanced areal and volumetric capacitances combined with decent cycle stability and impressive energy density endow the uniquely decorated QC/rGO composite material as a promising candidate in the arena of energy storage devices. Moreover, Cu2NiSnS4 being a narrow band gap photovoltaic material, this work offers a novel protocol for the development of self-charging supercapacitors in the days to come.

Co3O4 Nanowires on Flexible Carbon Fabric as a Binder-Free Electrode for All Solid-State Symmetric Supercapacitor.

Developing portable, lightweight, and flexible energy storage systems has become a necessity with the advent of wearable electronic devices in our modern society. This work focuses on the fabrication of Co3O4 nanowires on a flexible carbon fabric (CoNW/CF) substrate by a simple cost-effective hydrothermal route. The merits of the high surface area of the prepared Co3O4 nanostructures result in an exceptionally high specific capacitance of 3290 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, which is close to their theoretical specific capacitance. Furthermore, a solid-state symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) based on CoNW/CF (CoNW/CF//CoNW/CF) was fabricated successfully. The device attains high energy and power densities of 6.7 Wh/kg and 5000 W/kg. It also demonstrates excellent rate capability and retains 95.3% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. Further, the SSC holds its excellent performance at severe bending conditions. When a series assembly of four such devices is charged, it can store sufficient energy to power a series combination of five light-emitting diodes. Thus, this SSC device based on a three-dimensional coaxial architecture opens up new strategies for the design of next-generation flexible supercapacitors.

Cu2O/g-C3N4 nanocomposites: an insight into the band structure tuning and catalytic efficiencies.

We demonstrate an easy and scalable room-temperature synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticle incorporated graphitic carbon nitride composites without the aid of any inert atmosphere. First principles calculations based upon density functional theory, in addition to the experimental validations, have been employed to investigate the electronic and optical properties of the nanocomposites. An insight into the band structure tunability, phase stabilisation and the dependancy of the catalytic properties of the nanocomposites upon the amount of Cu loading, in the form of Cu oxides, have been provided in this work.