Exploring ternary metal oxides MnO2/CuO/ZrO2 composites for supercapacitor applications

Abstract

The multipurpose properties of mixed metal oxides have garnered significant interest. This study’s ternary composite of MnO2/CuO/ZrO2 (MCZ) exhibited promising morphology, conductivity and electrochemical performance. The MCZ nanocomposite was synthesized via hydrothermal methods. The impact of electrolytes like Potassium hydroxide (KOH) on supercapacitor features was investigated. XRD analysis determined the crystalline structure, while FTIR confirmed the presence of Cu–O, O-Mn–O and Zr–O bonds. SEM revealed uniform aggregated particles, and EDAX determined the elemental composition. BET analysis measured pore radius and surface area. With a 1 M KOH electrolyte, electrochemical performance was evaluated using CV, GCD, and EIS. The supercapacitor electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 869.76 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The symmetric supercapacitor device showed an energy density of 213.09 Wh/kg and a power density of 3.83 kW/kg, maintaining cycling stability after 5000 cycles. The nanocomposite displayed high ionization in the solvent, facilitating efficient ion movement for charge transfer in supercapacitors. The MCZ nanocomposite’s areal-specific capacitance was 119.04 mF/cm2, with areal energy and power densities of 0.081 mWh/cm2 and 1.3885 mW/cm2, respectively. Increasing the specific surface area of electrode materials enhances capacitance and energy storage capacity. This study suggests that MCZ nanocomposite materials can improve supercapacitor performance.

Keywords

• Supercapacitors
• Ternary composites
• XPS
• BET
• Electrochemical reactions