Three-dimensional hierarchical porous lignin-derived carbon/WO₃ for high-performance solid-state planar...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Growing global energy demand necessitates advanced energy storage solutions.
• Rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors are key technologies for energy storage.
• Developing high-performance electrode materials is crucial for supercapacitor advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel three-dimensional hierarchical porous lignin-derived carbon/WO3 (HPC/WO3) nanocomposite.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance of HPC/WO3 as an electrode material for supercapacitors.
• To fabricate and test a solid-state planar micro-supercapacitor (MSC) using the developed material.

Main Methods:

• Carbonization and solvothermal processes were employed to synthesize the HPC/WO3 nanocomposite.
• Electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Asymmetrical supercapacitors and solid-state planar MSCs were assembled and tested.

Main Results:

• The HPC/WO3 electrode material exhibited a wide voltage window of -0.4 V to 1.0 V.
• At a high mass loading of ~3.56 mg cm⁻², the material achieved a specific capacitance of 432 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ and 86.6% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g⁻¹.
• The asymmetrical supercapacitor delivered an energy density of 34.2 Wh kg⁻¹ at 237 W kg⁻¹, and the MSC showed a specific capacity of 20 mF cm⁻².

Conclusions:

• The HPC/WO3 nanocomposite demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance, including high specific capacitance and cycling stability.
• The developed material is suitable for high-performance supercapacitors and micro-supercapacitors.
• This study provides a viable strategy for designing advanced energy storage materials and devices.