Formation of hybrid nanoarchitectured CuCo2O4 as a binder-free redox-type electrode for high-rate performance supercapacitors
摘要
Recently, hybrid architectured metal oxide-based electrodes have garnered significant attention as high-performing redox-type electrodes due to their enhanced electroactive surface area and abundant redox-active sites. However, most reported strategies rely on multi-step and complex fabrication procedures, which limit scalability and practical implementation of hybrid electrode materials. Herein, we report the fabrication of hybrid porous CuCo2O4 nanoarchitectures composed of ultrathin nanosheets integrated with nanoparticles on carbon cloth using a simple and single-step wet-chemical synthesis method. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of a pure cubic spinel CuCo2O4 phase, while electron microscopy revealed a porous, interconnected architecture that enhances ion transport and electrolyte accessibility in supercapacitor applications. Specifically, the CuCo2O4 with interconnected nanosheet framework provides a high electroactive area and short diffusion paths, while the embedded CuCo2O4 nanoparticles improve electron transport and mechanical stability. Electrochemical analysis of the binder-free hybrid CuCo2O4 electrode revealed excellent redox behavior and diffusion-dominated charge storage process with a capacitance of 971.5 mF cm⁻² (313.3 F g⁻¹) and capacity of ~ 388.6 mC cm⁻² (125.4 C g⁻¹) at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹. The hybrid CuCo2O4 electrode also demonstrated high-rate capability of 81% at 10 A g⁻1 (787.3 mF cm⁻²; 253.9 F g⁻¹) at high current density of 10 A g⁻¹ with long-term cycling durability of 93.6% after 8000 cycles, indicating the robust durability of the electrode material. The high-rate capability and redox-type behavior of hybrid CuCo2O4 nanostructures with excellent cycling stability could be used as promising electrode for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.