Nano ZnO-activated carbon composite electrodes for supercapacitors

M. Selvakumar, D. Krishna Bhat, A. Manish Aggarwal, S. Prahladh Iyer, G. Sravani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

134 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A symmetrical (p/p) supercapacitor has been fabricated by making use of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO)-activated carbon (AC) composite electrodes for the first time. The composites have been characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Electrochemical properties of the prepared nanocomposite electrodes and the supercapacitor have been studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and AC impedance spectroscopy in 0.1 M Na2SO4 as electrolyte. The ZnO-AC nanocomposite electrode showed a specific capacitance of 160 F/g for 1:1 composition. The specific capacitance of the electrodes decreased with increase in zinc oxide content. Galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements have been done at various current densities, namely 2, 4, 6 and 7 mA/cm2. It has been found that the cells have excellent electrochemical reversibility and capacitive characteristics in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. It has also been observed that the specific capacitance is constant up to 500 cycles at all current densities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2286-2289
Number of pages4
JournalPhysica B: Condensed Matter
Volume405
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-05-2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nano ZnO-activated carbon composite electrodes for supercapacitors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this