Plasma-Engineered N-CoO Nanowire Array as a Bifunctional Electrode for Supercapacitor and Electrocatalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Surface engineering enhances cobalt oxide (Co3O4) electrochemical activity.
• High-temperature methods cause nanostructure agglomeration, reducing performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify Co3O4 nanowires using low-temperature plasma.
• To create a porous, nitrogen-doped structure without agglomeration.

Main Methods:

• Low-temperature NH3/Ar plasma treatment of Co3O4 nanowires.
• Fabrication of N-doped Co3O4 electrodes.
• Assembly of asymmetric supercapacitors (N-CoO//AC).

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment generated a porous, nitrogen-doped Co3O4 structure.
• Modified electrodes showed enhanced supercapacitive performance (2862 mF/cm2).
• Asymmetric supercapacitors achieved high energy (80.5 Wh/kg) and power (25.4 kW/kg) density with excellent stability.
• Improved hydrogen evolution reaction performance was observed.

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature plasma is an effective surface engineering strategy for Co3O4.
• Synergistic effects of porosity and nitrogen doping enhance electrochemical activity.
• This approach offers a promising route for advanced energy storage and catalysis.