V2O5/functionalized MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite: the fabrication and its enhanced supercapacitive performance

Abstract

The vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) has been attached to functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT) networks by simplified solution based approach. The product V₂O₅/f-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite has been exploited for supercapacitor electrode application. The addition of f-MWCNT with V₂O₅ significantly improves the surface area and conductivity, which leads the high energy and power densities. This nanocomposite shows highest specific capacitance up to 410 F g⁻¹ and 280 F g⁻¹ at current densities of 0.5 and 10 A g⁻¹ respectively. Moreover, this nanocomposite provides excellent energy density (∼57 W h kg⁻¹), better rate capacity, and a good retention of capacity (∼86%) up to 600 cycles of charge–discharge. Further a symmetric supercapacitor was fabricated using V₂O₅/f-MWCNT nanocomposite as electrodes. It shows a specific capacitance of 64 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹.