Synthesis and investigation of the supercapacitor behavior of iron Oxide/Graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite...

This research explores the production and detailed analysis of Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites, Fe-BTC, iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), assessing their suitability as potential electrode materials for supercapacitors. Fe₂O₃ was synthesized by subjecting the Fe-BTC to controlled calcination in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere, facilitating its complete transformation into the oxide phase. Although the initial electrochemical performance of pure Fe₂O₃ was found to be suboptimal, the incorporation of g-C₃N₄ in a 50/50 weight ratio led to a marked improvement in its electrochemical properties, indicating the potential of the Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite for enhanced energy storage capabilities. Various techniques were employed to examine the particle size, structural characteristics, and morphology, verifying the effective nanocomposite synthesis. Electrochemical evaluations were subsequently carried out to evaluate the supercapacitor efficiency of the nanocomposite. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrated that the Fe₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite delivered an outstanding specific capacitance of 1055 F/g, together with a power density of 175 W kg⁻¹ and an energy density of 71.8 Wh kg⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹. A Coulombic efficiency of 97.2%, coupled with remarkable cycling stability, maintaining 94.2% after 1000 cycles and a small charge-transfer resistance of 1.34 Ω, highlights the superior electrochemical characteristics of the electrode.