Facile synthesis and electrochemical analysis of TiN-based ZnO nanoparticles as promising cathode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors

Abstract

In today's energy landscape, the rise of energy crises spurred by rapid industrial expansion demands the development of advanced energy storage systems, especially those leveraging renewable sources independently. Pseudocapacitors, renowned for their high specific capacitance (C_s), offer a promising solution. Among them, transition metal nitride-based oxides stand out because of their remarkable conductivity and storage capacity, making them ideal candidates for supercapacitor (SC) cathode materials. In a recent study, we employed a wet-chemical method to synthesize a TiN–ZnO composite, showing potential as an electrode material for supercapacitor systems. The resulting composite exhibited promising crystallinity, indicating its suitability for electrode applications. Impressively, the TiN–ZnO electrode demonstrated a specific capacitance (C_s) of 469 F g⁻¹ during electrochemical testing. Additionally, it showcased a high energy density (E_d) of 19.83 W h kg⁻¹ and a power density (P_d) of 6298.2 W kg⁻¹. Moreover, it displayed exceptional cycling stability, retaining 95% of its performance over 7500 cycles. With superior electrochemical properties compared to pure materials, the fabricated TiN–ZnO electrode holds significant promise for supercapacitors and other energy-related technologies. This advancement presents a compelling solution to the urgent need for efficient and sustainable energy storage in the modern era.