Rationally designed CeO2 nanospheres embedded Cu2O microspheres composite with improved supercapacitor performance
摘要
Herein, we proposed a simple ultrasonic-assisted solution mixing method to prepare a series of CeO2@Cu2O composite electrode materials with varying content of Cu2O (5%, 10%, 15%). Initially, CeO2 nanospheres (NSs) and Cu2O microspheres (MSs) were synthesized by the solvothermal process. The heterostructure composites and the counterparts’ features were meticulously inspected with structural and morphological techniques. Peak shifting in X-ray diffraction indicates the formation of interfacial contact, which is further corroborated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Spherical features of CeO2 and Cu2O species were confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies. Optical studies using UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated a decrease in bandgap of CeO2 NSs with increasing Cu2O content, reflecting better electronic interaction and potential charge transfer at the interface. Among the composites, CeO2@Cu2O-10 has shown enhanced electrochemical performance. Notably, CeO2@Cu2O-10 delivered a specific capacitance of 527 F g− 1 at 0.5 A g− 1. Interestingly, CeO2@Cu2O-10 composite exhibits remarkable cyclic stability (97.4% after 5000 cycles). The obtained heterostructure provides more efficient storage performance than its counterparts. Further, a satisfactory practical performance is noticed from an asymmetric coin cell assembled with CeO2@Cu2O-10 as positive and commercial activated carbon as negative electrodes. A facilely synthesized CeO2@Cu2O composite with promising results suggests its possible application in the field of energy storage.