Exploring the potential of a ZIF-8@MCM-41-based heterostructured material for battery-type electrodes for supercapatteries

Abstract

Strategically engineering composite materials holds considerable importance in research for enhancing their electrochemical characteristics for application in advanced energy storage devices. Within this context, we explored the potential of a heterostructured material as an electrode for high-performance battery-type electrodes for supercapatteries, individually evaluating the material's components. We synthesized MCM-41, functionalized-MCM-41, ZIF-8, and a ZIF-8@NH-MCM-41 heterostructured material and examined their individual physicochemical characteristics to gain insights into their collective properties when combined. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the successful preparation of a heterostructure, while spectroscopic analyses indicated the possible chemical interactions of these materials. Also, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms suggested a new porous architecture for the ZIF-8@NH-MCM-41 material, making it suitable and highly interesting for resolving storage issues. The ZIF-8@NH-MCM-41 material exhibited a high specific capacity (356.11 mA h g⁻¹) with excellent retention. When used to create an asymmetric supercapacitor, the heterostructure showed an energy density of 7.7 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 495 W kg⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹. Even after 1000 cycles at 8 A g⁻¹, the material demonstrated excellent stability showing its potential for future applications. Thus, this work demonstrates the potential of a heterostructured material for application in high-performance supercapacitors, providing a viable route forward for energy storage applications.