β-Cyclodextrin-Stabilized CuO/MXene Nanocomposite as an Electrode Material for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Supercapacitors are crucial energy storage devices known for high power density and reliability.
• MXene and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles are promising materials for supercapacitor electrodes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize CuO@βCD/MXene nanocomposites for supercapacitor applications.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance of these nanocomposites, focusing on specific capacitance, conductivity, and cycling stability.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of β-cyclodextrin-stabilized CuO nanoparticles (CuO@βCD NPs).
• Anchoring CuO@βCD NPs onto MXene nanosheets via wet-impregnation in varying ratios (1:1, 4:1, 1:4).
• Characterization using XRD, XPS, FE-SEM, and HR-TEM; electrochemical evaluation via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The CuO@βCD/MXene (1:1) nanocomposite achieved a high specific capacitance of 1693.43 F g⁻¹ at 0.90 A g⁻¹.
• Enhanced electrical conductivity and low charge transfer resistance were observed due to CuO@βCD incorporation.
• The (1:1) nanocomposite retained 86% of its capacitance after 10,000 cycles, demonstrating excellent cycling stability.

Conclusions:

• The CuO@βCD/MXene (1:1) nanocomposite is a highly effective electrode material for supercapacitors.
• The material exhibits superior specific capacitance, rate capability, and long-term cycling stability.
• This development offers a promising pathway for high-performance energy storage solutions.