Search

Nowadays, materials that possess high activity and natural oxygen vacancy have garnered significant attention as potential electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this study, we successfully prepared the Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 (HTO) nanofibres (NFs) with an orthorhombic superlattice structure using the electrospinning technique and sintering process. The characterization results indicate that the HTO NFs synthesized at 750 °C show good micro nanostructures and outstanding electrochemical properties. To enhance its energy storage performance, additional oxygen vacancies (OVs) were introduced through a carbothermal treatment under an Ar atmosphere. Although longer reduction reaction times can produce more OVs, the integration of grain boundaries and the growth of grain size caused by large annealing times may limit its electrochemical performance. Therefore, the HTO NFs treated for 1 h (HTO/C-1) exhibited the maximum C s of 925 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 with a larger voltage window of 2.1 V. Furthermore, a symmetric supercapacitor fabricated by two reduced HTO NFs electrodes and 1 M Na 2 SO 4 solution, recorded as r-HTO NFs//r-HTO NFs. The device demonstrated excellent energy density of 73.3 Wh·kg−1 (at power density of 1050 W·kg−1) and a long cycling life (81.8% retained after 5000 cycles). These results suggest that the optimized reduction process can provide appropriate oxygen vacancies in HTO NFs, thereby effectively enhancing its performance. [Display omitted] • The Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 (HTO) nanofibres (NFs) are synthesized by electrospinning method. • The micro nanostructures and electrochemical property of HTO NFs can be designed by controlling the synthesis temperature. • The carbothermal treatment carried under Ar atmosphere is used to improve the amount of oxygen vacancies of HTO NFs. • The HTO NFs treated of 1 h (HTO/C-1) presents excellent capacitance of 925 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1. • The r-HTO NFs//r-HTO NFs device shows high energy density of 73.3 Wh·kg−1 at power density of 1050 W·kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and smart meters demands high-performance energy storage devices. By now, supercapacitors are expected to become one of the most promising energy devices for future energy technology. In this work, NiO nanoparticles supported on activated carbon nanofibers (NiO/ACNFs) have been synthesized by atomic layer deposition technique, which is directly used as self-supporting binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman results show that NiO nanoparticles (3.1 nm) are uniformly coated on ACNFs. The NiO/ACNFs-600 electrodes demonstrate a specific capacitance of 870 F·g−1 (1 A·g−1) and good rate capability (remain 67% at 10 A·g−1). The asymmetric supercapacitor devices with NiO/ACNFs-600//ACNFs electrodes yield a fairly high energy density of 39.85 Wh·kg−1 at 2000 W·kg−1 and excellent capacitance retention of 87% after 10,000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical capacitance performance for NiO/ACNFs is attributed to the high conductivity and large specific surface area of ACNFs, high capacity, small size, and even dispersion of NiO as well as the synergistic effect between them. These results demonstrate that NiO/ACNFs can serve as excellent electrode materials for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors. [Display omitted] • NiO is dispersed evenly on lignin-derived ACNFs by ALD for the first time. • The oxygen-containing functional groups of ACNFs provide the active site for the anchoring of NiO. • Combined advantages of porous ACNFs and highly dispersed NiO nanoparticles. • NiO/ACNFs-600 electrode exhibits excellent specific capacitance of 870 F·g−1 (1 A·g−1). • NiO/ACNFs-600//ACNFs device yields outstanding energy density of 39.85 Wh·kg−1 at 2000 W·kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-MnO 2 nanorods have been grown on the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for enhancing the electrical conductivity of MnO 2. We have synthesized α-MnO 2 /CNF (0–5 wt%) nanocomposites using a co-precipitation method. The x-ray diffraction results confirm the formation of a single phase α-MnO 2 and SEM/TEM images reveal the formation of α-MnO 2 nanorods, whose size depends on the amount of CNF in the nanocomposite. Both the surface area and electrical conductivity of nanocomposites are found to be strongly influenced by the presence of CNF. While α-MnO 2 /CNF(1.25 wt%) exhibits the largest surface area (381 m2/g) and only a modest increase in the electrical conductivity compared to pure α-MnO 2 nanorods, the α-MnO 2 /CNF(5 wt%) shows the least surface area (131 m2/g) but an order of magnitude higher electrical conductivity (0.67 S/cm). Cyclic voltammetry measurements show improved performance (higher specific capacitance and better cyclic stability) in all α-MnO 2 /CNF supercapacitors compared to that of pure α-MnO 2. Ragone plot shows that although α-MnO 2 /CNF(1.25 wt%) exhibits the highest specific capacitance (313 F/g at 1 A/g) and hence the highest energy density of 32.8 Wh/kg, it has the least power density of 4250 W/kg. On the other hand, α-MnO 2 /CNF(5 wt%) shows the least energy density of 7.9 Wh/kg but with a higher power density of 8478 W/kg compared to α-MnO 2 /CNF(1.25 wt%). Our studies demonstrate that one can optimize both energy and power densities by controlling the amount of CNF in the nanocomposites. Image 1 • Crystalline α-MnO 2 nanorods were grown on the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNF). • α-MnO2 nanorods size depends on the amount of CNF in nanocomposite. • α-MnO2/CNF supercapacitors showed improved performance than α-MnO 2. • Energy and power densities can be optimized by controlling the amount of CNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper reported the comparison of electrochemical properties of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), interconnected carbon nanofibers (ICNFs), and carbon-manganese oxide composite nanofibers (C/MnO x) fabricated by a conventional and a core-shell electrospinning technique, respectively, with the combination of heat treatment and CO 2 - activation. Concerning material characterizations, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed the fiber-fiber interconnection patterns, the manganese oxide nanoparticles, and other fiber morphologies. Moreover, the FE-SEM results also exhibited the fiber diameters and particle sizes, which were consistent with the specific areas obtained from the N 2 -adsorption/desorption techniques. The electrochemical performances were measured in aqueous electrolyte by three-electrode system. In addition, X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD) showed the phases of amorphous carbon, graphite structure, and manganese oxides, while the Raman analysis determined the carbon qualities in the samples. Furthermore, the differentiate-canning calorimetry (DSC) and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) displayed the thermal properties of all samples. As results, the C/MnO x exhibited the greatest specific capacitance of 213.7 F g−1 at the current density of 0.5 A g−1 with the energy density of 30 mWh g−1 at the power density of 249 mW g−1 and the great cycling stability of 97% after 1000 cycles. Highlights • The samples were characterized by TGA, FE-SEM, XRD, Raman, and BET. • The core-shell electrospinning can produce fiber-fiber interconnected CNFs. • C/MnO x composite nanofibers exhibited excellent electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible electrode materials play an important role in flexible portable energy storage devices. Carbon-based nanofiber has attracted numerous attentions due to its advantages on flexibility, safety, and reliability. Herein, we reported a novel and simple method to fabricate nitrogen-boron co-doped hollow porous carbon nanofiber (HPCNF) membranes as flexible supercapacitor electrodes. The higher specific surface area (413.98 m2/g) of HPCNF and the co-doping of N and B resulted in a high specific capacitance of 200.2 F/g (0.1 A/g). After 3000 cycles, NB-HPCNF still maintained high capacitance retention (104.81%). This study provides a new idea for electrochemical energy storage, which is beneficial to the deeper development of portable flexible devices. [Display omitted] • A novel and simple method was used to fabricate nitrogen-boron co-doped hollow porous carbon nanofiber membranes. • The well-developed hollow channels facilitated fast and efficient charge transport in carbon nanofibers. • A solid-state symmetric supercapacitor has good electrochemical properties and good mechanical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron sulfide, commonly known as fool's gold, is rapidly emerging as an attractive material for both energy conversion (in photovoltaics) and energy storage, especially as an electrode in lithium-ion batteries. In this manuscript, we report on a simple one-pot two-step technique for synthesis of carbon nanofiber (CNF) cross-linked FeS 2 networks, by microwave pyrolysis of ferrocene to iron decorated CNF and its subsequent sulfidation by a sustainable source, namely, l -cysteine. When used as the negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries, our 3D mesoporous FeS 2 –CNF hybrids exhibit high capacity of 994 mAhg −1 even after 300 cycles, which exceeds the theoretical capacity of FeS 2 (894 mAhg −1 ). Additionally, when applied as super-capacitor electrodes, our microwave-synthesized FeS 2 –CNF electrodes exhibit high capacitance of 612 and 342 Fg -1 at 5 and 100 mVs −1 , respectively, and long-term cyclability, with 97% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible supercapacitors with both high energy and high power densities are critical for flexible electronics. In this paper, hybrid flexible carbon nanofibers decorated with NiCo 2 S 4 nanoparticles are successfully prepared by combination of electrospinning, carbonization and hydrothermal treatments. The obtained hybrid carbon nanofibers display remarkable specific capacitance (527.8 F g −1 at the current density of 0.2 A g −1 and 622.5 F g −1 at 2 mV s −1 ), good rate capability (310.5 F g −1 at 4.0 A g −1 ) and excellent cycle stability (retaining 90.0% after 3000 cycles). The flexible asymmetric supercapacitors based on carbon nanofibers decorated with NiCo 2 S 4 and porous carbon nanofibers coated with activated charcoal are fabricated. The combined unique properties of each of these components enable highly flexible and mechanically strong films that can serve as electrodes directly without using any current collectors or binders. The fabricated device shows an energy density of 32.1 Wh kg −1 at power density of 67.6 W kg −1 and cycle stability retaining 88.5% after 1500 cycles at 1.0 A g −1 . Therefore, the novel flexible asymmetric device with perfect flexibility and stability can be applied as one of the most promising power supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the fabrication of core-shell SnO x /carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite mats via single-nozzle one-step electrospinning for use as flexible freestanding electrodes in supercapacitors. The freestanding and flexible nature of the composites is essential for their use in lightweight, portable, and foldable electronic devices and eliminates the need for a separate current collector. We fully characterized the structural and morphological properties of the SnO x /CNF mats and optimized the SnO x to CNF precursor ratio. The optimized SnO x /CNF-based symmetric supercapacitor exhibited a capacitance of 289 F·g −1 at a scan rate of 10 mV·s −1 . Moreover, it retained more than 88% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles, highlighting the long-term stability of supercapacitors based on these SnO x /CNF mats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of hierarchically porous carbon electrode materials is considered as an efficient strategy for improving the performance of supercapacitors. Nevertheless, how to precisely control the pore structure for preferable improvement the capacitance performance and fabricate in a cost-efficient way is still a scientific challenge. In this paper, an industrial by-product of coal tar pitch is used as precursor to prepare interconnected hierarchically porous carbons, with another domestic waste of eggshell as a pore-forming template and an inner-activator, combined with KOH in-situ activation. The as-prepared porous carbons exhibit large specific surface area (S BET , 1398–2103 cm2 g−1), well-developed interconnected hierarchically architecture, and excellent electrochemical performance. Among them, the optimal TS-PCE-4 based symmetric supercapacitor possesses a high capacitance of 238 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with an excellent rate capability, exhibits long cycle stability with capacitance retention of 95.85 % after 10,000 cycles, and delivers energy densities of 8.27–5.47 Wh kg−1 at power density in the range of 125–4925 W kg−1 in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. This work offers a facile and low-cost route to construct interconnected hierarchically porous carbons for energy storage devices. [Display omitted] • An industrial by-product of coal tar pitch was used to fabricate the hierarchically porous carbons via a facile route. • The domestic waste of eggshell was served as a pore-forming template and an inner-activator. • The carbons show large specific surface area and well-developed interconnected hierarchically porous architecture. • The optimum sample displays outstanding supercapacitor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduced the concept of a novel hybrid faradaic structure as a mechanism to improve the performance of biomass-derived carbon-based supercapacitors (SCs). Organic-inorganic hybrid composition, nanostructures, porosity, surface area and active redox reactions were carefully designed. We reported the facile, cost-effective and environmentally friendly fabrication of pure lignin carbon nanofibers (LCNFs) incorporated with flower-like, multi-metal and intrinsically capacitive (Ni-Co@MnO 2) nanoparticles in a flexible and binder-free electrode for SCs by the electrospinning technique using various electrolytes (1 M Na 2 SO 4 , 0.5 M KI and 1 M Na 2 SO 4 +0.5 M KI). Mechanically robust LCNFs were used as a free-standing electrode and characterized for electrochemical performance using a two-electrode system in a Swagelok cell. Specific capacitance of the LCNFs in 1 M Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte (current density 0.1 A/g) of 129 F/g increased to 200 F/g when adding 1 % manganese oxide nanoparticles that introduced intrinsic capacitance into the nanofibers. This value further increased to 303 F/g by adding 1 % Ni-Co to the manganese oxide. The nanoflower morphology significantly increased the surface area via micro and mesopore modification on carbonization and via macropore expansion on activation. After applying a mixed electrolyte (1 M Na 2 SO 4 + 0.5 M KI), the capacitance reached 400 F/g and remained stable up to 1000 GDC cycles. Using the same composite nanofibers, 1,021 F/g was achieved using 0.5 M KI as an electrolyte. However, the latter system appeared unstable beyond 200 GDC cycles, suggesting that it can be applied as a disposable fast-charge supercapacitor. In the presence of a chemically-stable, highly-porous and partially-conductive carbon matrix, we concluded that interplay between the multi-metal oxides and electrolytes increased oxidation numbers, thereby boosting the faradaic reaction and enhancing electronic conductivity. [Display omitted] • EDLC carbon-based supercapacitor was fabricated from flower-like Ni-Co@MnO 2 nanoparticles and biomass lignin. • The unique metal oxide nanostructure led to highly-porous carbon nanofibers with unblocked micro-, meso- and macropores. • Mixed electrolyte of Na 2 SO 4 and KI led to capacitance of 400 F/g up to 1000 GDC cycles. • With KI as electrolyte, capacitance of 1,021 F/g was achieved and stable up to 200 GDC cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance electrochemical double-layer (EDL) supercapacitor was fabricated with highly efficient electro-active electrode based on mesoporous carbon nanofibers (MCFs) materials. The prepared MCFs from dextrose as carbon source exhibited the high surface to volume ratio, large pore volume and high mesoporous nature. The cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements were carried out to investigate the capacitive and electrochemical behavior of fabricated EDL supercapacitor based on MCFs electrode. A reasonably high specific capacitance of 201 F/g at current density of 0.6 A/g was achieved by the fabricated EDL supercapacitor based on MCFs electrode. A relation of capacitive performance, specific surface area, accessible average pore size and current density was manifested to evaluate the impact of capacitance parameters. The fabricated EDL supercapacitor based on MCFs electrode attained the ultra high energy density of 54.7 W h/kg and reasonable power density of 0.842 kW/kg at the current density of 0.6 A/g. The fabricated EDL supercapacitor manifested an excellent stability by keeping about 88% of initial capacity after 1000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) embedded with Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles in a hollow channel (PPMCo) are fabricated by coaxial electrospinning followed by thermal treatment. The degree to which the CNF surface is exposed to Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles was controlled by the cobalt(II) acetate concentration. The well-controlled structure of PPMCo with porous structure, heteroatoms, and amorphous Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles provided fast ion transport and large reaction surface area, resulting in effective ion migration to the active site and a high rate capacity of the electrode. Benefitting from the unique structure, the PPMCo supercapacitor electrodes displays a high specific capacitance of 188 Fg−1 at 1 mAcm−2, rate capability of 82% when the current density is increased from 1 to 20 mAcm−2, and cycling stability of 93% for 10,000 cycles. The good capacitive performance of the PPMCo electrode is attributed to the synergistic effect of the hierarchical porosity, electroactive material of Co 3 O 4 , high effective surface area, and polar effects by heteroatoms. [Display omitted] • Hierarchical porous CNF embedded with Co3O4 was prepared by coaxial electrospinning. • The degree of CNF exposed to Co3O4 was controlled by the Co(OAc)2 concentration. • The hollow core of the core part provides a fast electron transport channel. • Amorphous Co3O4 helps transport ions by reducing the charge transfer resistance. • The heteroatom functional groups on the carbon surface enhance the pseudocapacitance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Micro-electrode arrays were fabricated on a graphite substrate using lithography and carbonization. • Conductive fibers produced via electrospinning and carbonization were decorated with RuO 2 particles. • The 3D micro-electrodes were used in fabrication of all - carbon symmetric supercapacitors. • The specific capacitance reached 219.2 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 in 1 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte. [Display omitted] This study employed a carbon microelectromechanical system (C-MEMS) in fabricating a 3D micro-electrode array of conductive carbon cylinders directly on the surface of a graphite substrate. The capacitance of the array was further enhanced by decorating it with a composite material comprising highly-porous carbon nanofibers (CF) and electroactive RuO 2 nanoparticles to function as an active electrode. In galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, the specific capacitance of an electrode decorated with RuO 2 30 wt%/CF was 219.2 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, which is 2.27 times higher than that of the pristine CF electrode. When the current density was increased from 0.5 A g−1 to 3 A g−1, the capacitance retention of the RuO 2 30 wt%/CF electrode was 54.8%. A symmetric supercapacitor based on the RuO 2 30 wt%/CF composite electrode exhibited an impressive energy density of 74.2 Wh kg−1 with power density of 4333 W kg−1. It also demonstrated good capacitance retention of 80.2% following 3000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 2 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High intrinsic ionic conductivity and a theoretical capacity of MoS 2 is well appreciated and gathered great attention for an electrode asset for energy storage applications. The MoS 2 layers inter connected with one-dimensional carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are successfully prepared to give a conductive three-dimensional network for the robust charge transfer kinetics. The MoS 2 nanosheets adhered together to form micro flowers accomplished by a simple hydrothermal process. Further, the nanosheets are allowed to grow over the electrospun CNFs directly. The structural, functional, and morphological characterizations unanimously revealed the nanocomposite formation. Also, the surface area has been determined by BET analysis and subjected to electrochemical studies as an electrode for supercapacitors. The nanocomposite deposited on the graphite sheet (1 × 1 cm2) displays the high capacitance counterparts of 903.9 Fg-1 achieved by a lower current density of 1 Ag-1 and maintained 94% efficiency even 5000 cycles after a charge-discharge process. This process was examined with the potential range of 0.8 V (−0.4 to +0.4 V) in 1 M KCl electrolyte. These results confirms the prepared nanocomposite can be used as a proficient electrode for the creation of high capacitance supercapacitors with good cyclability. Image 1 • Direct growth of MoS 2 on carbon nanofibers attained by facile hydrothermal process. • FESEM and XRD results confirms the MoS 2 encapsulated CNFs with hexagonal phase. • CV were employed with different electrolytes to evaluate the influence of ion size. • The prepared MoS 2 /CNF exhibits the specific capacitance of 903.9 Fg-1 at a current density 1 Ag-1. • It maintains 94% efficiency even after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single layered MoS 2 /graphene nanosheets embedded in activated carbon nanofibers (MoS 2 @G/AC) are fabricated through an electrospinning process followed by carbonization and KOH activation. Characterization results demonstrate that the single layers of 2D MoS 2 and graphene nanosheets were dispersed highly uniform in the activated carbon nanofibers which present a diameter approximately 100 nm and a specific surface area of 850.2 m2 g−1. It is found that the dosage of MoS 2 in activated carbon nanofibers affects their electrochemical properties. Thereinto, the 0.5-MoS 2 @G/AC nanofibers as electrode material for supercapacitor show a high specific capacitance of 334 F g−1 and 246.3 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and 10 A g−1, respectively, in 3 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The capacitance retention of the 0.5-MoS 2 @G/AC nanofibers is 83.8% after 5000 cycles. Electrochemical tests show good specific capacitance and stability for the MoS 2 @G/AC nanofibers due to the high specific surface area, suitable pore structure, and the synergy between the three different components. • The monolayer 2D MoS 2 nanosheets are embedded in the activated carbon nanofibers. • The synergistic effect of MoS 2 and graphene improved the electrochemical stability. • The KOH activation increase the specific surface area and expose active sites of MoS 2. • The capacitance retention of the 0.5-MoS 2 @G/AC nanofibers is 83.8% after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstable nanoparticles/carbonaceous nanomaterial synthesis results in inhomogeneous mass and charge transfer across the electrode/electrolyte interface. And high-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA-NPs) are rarely reported in supercapacitors. Herein, this study reports an uniform carbothermal shock (CTS) of quinary HEA-NPs on super aligned electrospun carbon nanofibers (ACNFs). The key to this approach is coupling a self-designed collector for aligned CNFs and a suitable CTS current direction. For the electrochemical performance, the FeNiCoMnMg HEA-NPs/ACNFs electrodes with 5 mM precursor concentration show a high capacitance of 203 F/g and a specific energy density of 21.7 Wh/kg. These findings give hints for the HEA-NPs/carbonaceous nanomaterials as promising candidates for energy storage applications. • The quinary FeNiCoMnMg and FeNiCoMuCu HEA-NPs were synthesized. • Super aligned electrospun carbon nanofibers were fabricated. • The transformation of bonding configuration and valence states of elements were investigated. • A high capacitance of 203 F/g was achieved by the FeNiCoMnMg HEA-NPs/ACNFs electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]