Synthesis of 3D architecture CuO micro balls and nano hexagons and its electrochemical capacitive behavior

Publication date: 5 April 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 119
Author(s): P. Subalakshmi, M. Ganesan, A. Sivashanmugam
CuO micro balls and nano hexagons have been synthesized by time, cost effective rapid hydrothermal and precipitation methods respectively. Physical characterization is explained through various analytical techniques. Electrochemical performance of CuO as an active material for super capacitor application in 6M KOH solution is illustrated. CuO micro balls exhibit specific capacitance of about 470Fg⁻¹ where as CuO nano hexagons exhibit only 103Fg⁻¹ at current density of 0.5Ag⁻¹. The superior electrochemical performance of CuO micro balls is attributed to 3D micro structure assembled from nano sheets eventually possess more active sites as evident from larger surface area observed in BET analysis. Further, co-existence of Cu2O phase enhances the electrochemical performance by reversible redox couple CuO/Cu2O and the entrapped hydroxyl group in micro balls increases the conductivity and accelerates the electrode kinetics in alkaline medium.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2kdhCLa