In-situ iron modified mesoporous silica MCM-48 for electrochemical energy storage applications

Electrochemical energy technologies are crucial for a sustainable future, promising to transform energy generation, storage and use with improved efficiency and environmental responsibility. In this study, Fe was integrated into the MCM-48 framework to create a modified mesoporous structure to be used as electrodes for electrochemical storage applications. The materials were thoroughly characterized using various spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic techniques, including XRD, XPS, UV-Vis (DRS), FT-IR, N₂ adsorption-desorption analysis, SEM with EDX, ICP-OES, TEM, TGA and DSC. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanometric charge-discharge studies revealed that the Fe-MCM-48 sample with Si: Fe molar ratio of 20 (Fe-MCM-48 (20)) exhibited pseudocapacitive behaviour, showcasing higher capacitance value of up to 787 F g^− 1 at a current density of 1 A g^− 1. The findings undeniably indicate that Fe-MCM-48 (20) holds promise as a highly effective electrode material for advancing energy storage technologies like supercapacitors.