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Co3O4@MWCNT nanocable as cathode with superior electrochemical performance for supercapacitors
Xiaowei Wang1, Minxia Li, Zheng Chang
1New Energy and Materials Laboratory (NEML), Department of Chemistry & Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 16, 2015
Summary
Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) demonstrates exceptional performance as cathode material for aqueous supercapacitors. This novel nanocable structure offers high capacitance and stability, outperforming existing materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing advanced cathode materials is crucial for enhancing the performance of aqueous supercapacitors.
- Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) is a promising material, but its electrochemical performance can be limited by its structure and morphology.
- Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) offer excellent conductivity and high surface area, making them suitable supports for energy storage materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize cobalt oxide (Co3O4) coated on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as a cathode material for aqueous supercapacitors.
- To investigate the electrochemical performance of the Co3O4@MWCNT nanocable structure.
- To understand the role of the preferred orientation of Co3O4 on the MWCNT in determining electrochemical properties.
Main Methods:
- A simple hydrothermal procedure was employed for the in situ preparation and coating of Co3O4 on MWCNT.
- The crystal structure and orientation of the prepared Co3O4 were analyzed, showing a preferred orientation along the (220) planes.
- Electrochemical performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge in 0.5 M KOH solution.
Main Results:
- The Co3O4@MWCNT nanocable exhibited superior electrochemical performance compared to pristine Co3O4 and other reported materials.
- Well-defined redox peaks were maintained even at a high scan rate of 200 mV/s, indicating good rate capability.
- A high specific capacitance of 590 F/g at 15 A/g and 510 F/g at 100 A/g was achieved within a potential range of -0.2 to 0.58 V (vs SCE).
- The material demonstrated excellent cycling stability with no capacitance fading after 2000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- The Co3O4@MWCNT nanocable, synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method, is an excellent cathode material for aqueous supercapacitors.
- The unique nanocable structure with preferred orientation of Co3O4 along (220) planes significantly enhances electrochemical performance, including high capacitance and stability.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for developing high-performance energy storage devices.
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