Electrodeposited molybdenum selenide sheets on nickel foam as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitor application

Recent Developments in Electrodeposition of Transition Metal Chalcogenides-Based Electrode Materials for Advance Supercapacitor Applications: A Review

High-performance supercapacitive electrode materials have received significant attention from researchers worldwide, thus aiming for comparable performance similar to the extensively used rechargeable batteries. For emerging energy storage technologies like flexible supercapacitors, transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have been in the spotlight due to their promising electrochemical features compared to other electrode materials. Among the synthesis techniques, electrodeposition-mediated preparation of thin films of TMCs offered an affordable binder-free approach for electrode fabrication that effectively improved the supercapacitor performance. Hence, this review mainly focussed on the electrodeposition-based syntheses of single/ multinary chalcogenides and their composites for supercapacitors applications. Further, the effects of different deposition parameters were discussed for boosting the supercapacitor performance. Finally, this review outlined the existing challenges and future perspectives in this research domain, which will assist the upcoming exploration in the energy storage field.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) along with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) utilized to enhance the capacitance of conducting polymers (PANI and PPy)

Hybrid composites of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and polyaniline (PANI)/polypyrrole (PPy) have been synthesized as cost-effective electrode materials for supercapacitors. We have produced MoS2 from molybdenum dithiocarbamate by a melt method in an inert environment and then used a liquid exfoliation method to form its composite with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and polymers (PANI and PPy). The MoS2 melt/GNP ratio in the resultant composites was 1 : 3 and the polymer was 10% by wt. of the original composite. XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis) confirmed the formation of MoS2 and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) revealed the morphology of the synthesized materials. The electrochemical charge storage performance of the synthesized composite materials was assessed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCCD) measurements. Resultant composites showed enhanced electrochemical performances (specific capacitance = 236.23 F g-1, energy density = 64.31 W h kg-1 and power density = 3858.42 W kg-1 for MoS2 melt 5 mPP at a current density of 0.57 A g-1 and had 91.87% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles) as compared to the produced MoS2; thus, they can be utilized as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Tuning the interfacial electronic transitions of bi-dimensional nanocomposites (pGO/ZnO) towards photocatalytic degradation and energy application

The two-dimensional carbonaceous nanocomposites tend to have extreme capacitance and catalysis activity because of their surface tunability of oxygenated moieties aiding in photocatalytic degradation. Herewith, we performed microwave-assisted alkaline treatment of graphene oxide sheets to attain defective sites on the graphitic surface by altering microwave parameters. The synergism of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the graphitic surface impacts electronic transitions paving paths for vacant oxygen sites to promote photocatalytic degradation and catalytic activity. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized material for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) because of its susceptibility in industrial effluents, and the degradation rate was estimated to be around 87.5% within a short span of 30 min by utilizing UV irradiation. Concomitantly, the pGO/ZnO coated substrate exhibits a specific capacity of 561.7 mAh/g and incredible coulombic efficiency illustrating pseudocapacitive nature. Furthermore, on subjecting the composite modified electrode to oxygen evolution catalysis due to the vacant sites located at the lattice edges attributing to the d-d coulombic interaction within the local electron clouds possessing a low overpotential of 205 mV with a Tafel slope of 84 mV/dec. This modest approach boosts an eco-friendly composite to develop photocatalytic degradability and bifunctional catalytic activity for futuristic necessity.

Fabrication of three-dimensional WO3 nanotube bundles on carbon cloth as a binder-free electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

The WO3 nanotube bundles are fabricated on carbon cloth, exhibiting high specific capacitance, low charge transfer resistance, and excellent stability.

Reducing the resistance for the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis in materials chemistry

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a highly applicable electrochemical, analytical, and non-invasive technique for materials characterization, which allows the user to evaluate the impact, efficiency, and magnitude of different components within an electrical circuit at a higher resolution than other common electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) or chronoamperometry. EIS can be used to study mechanisms of surface reactions, evaluate kinetics and mass transport, and study the level of corrosion on conductive materials, just to name a few. Therefore, this review demonstrates the scope of physical properties of the materials that can be studied using EIS, such as for characterization of supercapacitors, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), conductive coatings, sensors, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and other materials. This guide was created to support beginner and intermediate level researchers in EIS studies to inspire a wider application of this technique for materials characterization. In this work, we provide a summary of the essential background theory of EIS, including experimental design, signal responses, and instrumentation. Then, we discuss the main graphical representations for EIS data, including a scope of the foundation principles of Nyquist, Bode phase angle, Bode magnitude, capacitance and Randles plots, followed by detailed step-by-step explanations of the corresponding calculations that evolve from these graphs and direct examples from the literature highlighting practical applications of EIS for characterization of different types of materials. In addition, we discuss various applications of EIS technique for materials research.

This manuscript highlights a beginner-to-intermediate level scope of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is an indispensable, non-destructive electrochemical technique that can be applied for materials characterization.

Lichen-like anchoring of MoSe2 on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: an efficient electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors

In the present study, we have developed a composite electrode of MSNT using a simple and scalable two-step scheme to synthesize a composite electrode material comprising MoSe₂/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MoSe₂/MWCNTs) for supercapacitor applications. First, a MWCNT thin film was deposited on a stainless steel substrate by using a “dip and dry” coating technique. Subsequently, MoSe₂ was deposited onto the MWCNT thin film using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The lichen-like growth of MoSe₂ on the MWCNT network provided dual charge storage and an effective ion transfer path. The composite electrode of MSNT has been studied systematically with different electrolytes and concentrations of electrolyte. As a result, the MoSe₂/MWCNT (MSNT) electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical properties such as a specific capacity of 192 mA h g⁻¹ and a capacitance retention of 88% after 2000 cycles in 1 M LiCl electrolyte. The results demonstrated the huge potential of the MSNT composite electrode for practical application in supercapacitors. The aqueous symmetric cell fabricated using the MSNT composite as both the anode and cathode showed an energy density of 17.9 W h kg⁻¹. Additionally, the energy density improved by designing an asymmetric device of MSNT//MnO₂ and notably, it reveals two-fold improvement in the energy density compared to a symmetric MSNT cell. The MSNT//MnO₂-based asymmetric cell exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 112 F g⁻¹ with a high energy density of 35.6 W h kg⁻¹.

Simple and scalable chemical synthesis approach to develop a MoSe₂/MWCNTs composite thin film electrode for a highly efficient asymmetric supercapacitor cell.

Development of vertically aligned trimetallic Mg-Ni-Co oxide grass-like nanostructure for high-performance energy storage applications

Direct growth of nanostructured trimetallic oxide on substrate is considered as one of the promising electrode fabrication for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors. Herein, binder-free one-dimensional grass-like nanostructure was constructed on nickel foam by using electrodeposition approach. The admirable enhancement in rate capability was observed by the substitution of Mg and Ni in cobalt oxide crystallite. The prepared nickel cobalt oxide (NCO) and cobalt oxide (CO) electrode exhibited a rate capability of 57% and 58% (2 to 10 A g^-1) respectively. Interestingly, the rate capability was increased to 87% by the substitution of Mg and Ni simultaneously. The novel vertically aligned trimetallic Mg-Ni-Co oxide (MNCO) grass-like nanostructure electrode exhibited a high specific capacity of 846 C g^-1 at 2 A g^-1_, retained 97.3% specific capacity and showed an outstanding coulombic efficiency of 99% after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, we assembled hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device for practical applications by using MNCO and activated carbon (AC) as the positive and negative electrode materials, respectively. HSC device exhibited a high specific capacity of 144 C g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1. The high energy density of 31.5 Wh kg^-1 and the power density of 7.99 kW kg^-1 were achieved. All these interesting and attractive results demonstrate the significance of the vertically aligned electrode material towards practical applications.

High performance asymmetric supercapacitor based on vertical nanowire arrays of a novel Ni@Co-Fe LDH core@shell as negative and Ni(OH)2 as positive electrode

An efficient synthesis of the electrode material with abundant active sites is imperative for obtaining a flexible supercapacitor with excellent electrochemical performance. Herein, a novel flexible Ni@Co-Fe LDH core-shell nanowires supercapacitor negative electrode is synthesized using polycarbonate membrane on a copper substrate via an electrochemical deposition technique. The synthesized battery-type negative electrode exhibits remarkable specific capacitance of 1289 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 and excellent cycling stability with 76.66% capacitive retention after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the Ni(OH)₂//Ni@Co-Fe LDH nanowires based asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent cycling stability of 90.49% after 1000 cycles with a highest energy density of 68 Wh kg^-1 at 0.38 KW kg^-1, and a good energy density of 31.8 Wh kg^-1 is still attained at a high power density of 6 KW kg^-1. For practical demonstration, a white LED of 3.3 V is lit by using two asymmetrical supercapacitor devices connected in series. The device offers a favorable and effective pathway for advanced energy storage.

Cyclic Silylselenides: Convenient Selenium Precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition

Three cyclic silylselenides were prepared in a straightforward manner. Property tuning has been achieved by varying the ring size and the number of embedded selenium atoms. All silylselenides possess improved resistance towards moisture and oxidation as well as high thermal robustness and sufficient volatility with almost zero residues. The six-membered diselenide proved to be particularly superior Se precursors for atomic layer deposition and allowed facile preparation of MoSe₂ layers. Their structure and composition have been investigated by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy revealing vertically aligned flaky shaped nanosheets.

Construction of hierarchical cobalt-molybdenum selenide hollow nanospheres architectures for high performance battery-supercapacitor hybrid devices

Transition metal selenides have aroused widespread attention as a class of emerging electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors attributed to their featured with high theoretical capacitance and low electronegativity. Nevertheless, their practical applications are seriously restricted by the large volume expansion during high-rate charge/discharge. It is imperative to reasonably construct tunable composition and attractive architectures for electrode materials at nanoscale to mitigate the issues. Herein, hierarchical cobalt-molybdenum selenide (denoted as CoSe₂/MoSe₂-3-1) hollow nanospheres architectures are purposefully prepared via an efficient gas bubble-templated method combined with post-annealing process. Benefiting from the rationally hierarchical hollow structures and maximized utilization ratio of active materials, the novel bimetallic selenides acquire superior electrochemical performance with high specific capacity (211.97 mA h g^-1 at 1 A g^-1) and remarkable cycling stability (94.2% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at 3 A g^-1). Significantly, the assembled CoSe₂/MoSe₂-3-1//activated carbon (AC) battery-supercapacitor hybrid (BSH) device renders a high energy density up to 51.84 W h kg^-1 at a power density of 799.2 W kg^-1 and preeminent cycling stability with 93.4% retention over 10,000 cycles. The present work provides an effective and rational design route to engineer advanced bimetallic selenides with hierarchical hollow structures for electrochemical energy storage and conversion.

Carbyne-enriched carbon anchored on nickel foam: A novel binder-free electrode for supercapacitor application

Carbon- and carbon derivatives are widely employed as efficient electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. Herein, we demonstrate a cost-effective dip-coating process followed by dehydrohalogenation of PVDF-Ni for the preparation of carbyne enriched carbon anchored on nickel (CEC-Ni) as high-performance electrode material. The removal of halogens in the prepared CEC-Ni were widely characterized using XRD, XPS, Laser Raman, and FT-IR analysis. The occurrence of carbon-carbon vibration in the prepared CEC-Ni foam was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy. Laser Raman analysis confirms that the CEC-Ni foam contains both sp and sp² hybridized carbon. The electrochemical properties of prepared carbyne enriched carbon anchored on nickel foam electrode (CEC-NiE) showed an ideal capacitive properties and delivered a maximum specific capacitance of about 106.12 F g^-1 with excellent cyclic retention. Furthermore, the mechanism of charge-storage in the CEC-NiE was analyzed using Dunn's method. In additon, the asymmetric supercapacitor device was fabricated using CEC-NiE as positive and rGO as negative electrode achieved a remarkable energy density of 33.57 Wh Kg^-1 with a maximal power density of 14825.71 W Kg^-1. These results suggested that the facile preparation of CEC-NiE could be a promising and effective electrode material for future energy storage application.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Self-Assembled Nanoflowers of MoS2 Nanosheets as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials

As supercapacitor electrode materials, their structures, including specific surface area, instability, and interconnection, determine the electrochemical performances (specific capacitance, cycle stability, and rate performance). In this study, 1T-MoS₂ nanosheets were self-assembled into nanoflowers via a one-pot facile hydrothermal reaction. The nanoflowers retain the excellent electrical conductive performance and the feature of inherent high specific surface area of the nanosheets. For the sheets are interconnected to each other in flower structure, the structure is more stable and the charges are more easily transferred. Thus, compared to the nanosheet electrode, the nanoflower electrode shows the remarkable advantage when used as the electrode of the energy-storage device, whether it is 1T phase or 2H phase in KCl or in KOH. When measured at 0.5 A g^-1 in KOH electrolyte, the MoS₂ nanoflower electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1120 F g^-1. At the same time, when cycling 2000 times at a current density of 10 A g^-1, the capacitance retention ratio can reach up to 96%.

(Co, Mn)-Doped NiSe2-diethylenetriamine (dien) nanosheets and (Co, Mn, Sn)-doped NiSe2 nanowires for high performance supercapacitors: compositional/morphological evolution and (Co, Mn)-induced electron transfer

A series of MSe2-dien (M = metal(ii) ion and dien = diethylenetriamine) were grown on Ni foam (NF) based on Co(ii)/Mn(ii) salts with different molar ratios. It was found that the Co-free sample exhibited hollow tubes built by numerous interconnected nanowires, whereas nanosheets were observed in the Co-involved samples. The formation of nanosheets is associated with Co(ii), which is due to the fact that Co(ii) promotes the metal selenide nanosheet to grow along its (011[combining macron]) facet (thickness direction). Furthermore, the formation and compositional/morphological evolution of the samples were investigated. Among them, (Co, Mn)-NiSe2-dien/NF (2 : 1-Co/Mn sample) showed the largest specific capacity of 288.6 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1 with a retention of 69% at 10 A g-1 (198.6 mA h g-1), which is associated with its ultrathin nanosheet arrays and the co-doping of (Co, Mn) into NiSe2-dien, leading to the redistribution of electron densities around the Ni and Se centers. XPS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations proved the electron transfer from NiSe2-dien to the adsorbed OH- ions from the electrolyte solution, which can facilitate the redox reaction between active sites and electrolyte ions to enhance the electrochemical performance. A hybrid supercapacitor, (Co, Mn)-NiSe2-dien/NF//activated carbon, was fabricated, which displayed an energy density of 50.9 W h kg-1 at a power density of 447.3 W kg-1 and good cycling stability with 84% capacity retention after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, (Co, Mn)-doped NiSe2-dien nanosheets could be transformed into (Co, Mn, Sn)-doped NiSe2 nanowire arrays after immersion in SnCl2 alcoholic solution due to cation exchange and the Kirkendall effect, and the obtained sample exhibited a decent areal capacity of 0.267 mA h cm-2 at 5 mA cm-2.

Fabriction of ZnO Nanorods with Strong UV Absorption and Different Hydrophobicity on Foamed Nickel under Different Hydrothermal Conditions

ZnO nanorods have been grown on the surface of foamed nickel by a two-step method. Firstly, a layer of ZnO seed is sputtered on the surface of the foamed nickel by magnetron sputtering, and then the hydrothermal method is used to grow ZnO nanorods at different conditions (solution concentration, reaction time and reaction temperature). The results show that the morphology of ZnO nanorods is closely related to the solution concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature. The energy band structure formed by the foamed nickel and ZnO seed layers and the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods are discussed. The samples are characterized by Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The absorption characteristics of samples to light are characterized by ultraviolet-to-visible (UV⁻VIS) absorption. The hydrophilicity of the samples is characterized by the static contact angle. By analyzing the performance characteristics of the samples at different conditions, we finally obtained the optimal growth parameters. At the optimal parameters, the morphology of the grown nanorods is regular, the ultraviolet band has strong absorption, and the surface of the samples forms a superhydrophobic surface.

MoO3−x-deposited TiO2 nanotubes for stable and high-capacitance supercapacitor electrodes

Here we report the supercapacitive properties of a novel MoO_3−x/TiO₂ nanotube composite prepared by a facile galvanostatic deposition technique and subsequently thermal treatment in an argon atmosphere between 350 °C and 550 °C.