Light-driven charge storage enhancement in NiSSe nanoparticles for high-performance photo-supercapacitors

Abstract

The development of light-responsive electrode materials is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of energy storage and utilization, as well as improving the performance of next-generation photo-supercapacitors (PSCs). This study examines nickel sulfide selenide (NiSSe) nanoparticles synthesized and comprehensively characterized as a promising candidate for improving photo-supercapacitors. The specific capacitances of the NiSSe photoelectrode at current densities of 1, 3, 5, and 7 A g⁻¹ are 932.2, 818, 524, and 310.8 F g⁻¹ under dark conditions, respectively, and significantly increase to 1028, 902, 786, and 431.2 F g⁻¹ under light irradiation. The NiSSe electrode demonstrates a 52% enhancement in specific-capacitance at 5 mV s⁻¹ and a 50% increase at 5 A g⁻¹ under illumination, confirming the role of photo-induced charge carriers in improving energy storage efficiency. The material exhibits 71.38 Wh kg⁻¹ energy density at 1 A g⁻¹ under light, compared to 64.11 Wh kg⁻¹ in dark conditions, with a capacitance retention of 81.35% and perfect coulombic efficiency (100%), highlighting its outstanding stability and charge reversibility. These results establish NiSSe as an efficient photoactive electrode, paving the way for innovative light-assisted supercapacitors with enhanced charge storage capabilities.