Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon Nanofibers Fabricated by Electrospinning as Electrode Material for High-Performance Supercapacitors

As an M_n+1AX phase ternary layered carbide, Ti₃SiC₂ possesses the advantages of both excellent stability and high electrical conductivity, which are considered to be promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon nanofiber composites with one-dimensional nanostructures were successfully synthesized via electrospinning. Systematic electrochemical tests showed that the Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon composite possesses a large specific capacitance of 133.1 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g, high rate capability of 113.7% capacitance retention from 1 to 10 A/g, and low resistance of 1.07 Ω. After assembling the asymmetrical supercapacitor, Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon provides the energy density of 7.02 Wh/kg at the power density of 140 W/kg. In addition, Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon composite is highly stable, with 74.6% capacity retention after 4000 cycles. Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon's superior electrochemical properties are ascribed to the 1D nanowire structure and the high specific surface area. Ti₃SiC₂/Carbon is a prospective electrode material for future supercapacitors.