Copper oxide/mesoporous carbon nanocomposite synthesis, morphology and electrochemical properties for gel polymer-based asymmetric supercapacitors

Abstract

A novel nanocomposite was synthesized by combining copper oxide with mesoporous carbon (CuO/MPC) andtested for potential applications as a supercapacitor electrode. Due to the presence of highly conductive carbon,this CuO/MPC nanocomposite is expected to provide additional pathways and more electro-active sites for iondiffusion than a metal oxide electrode alone. Indeed, the CuO/MPC electrode exhibits superior supercapacitivefeatures including the specific capacitance of 616 F g1at a current density of 1 A g1, and better rate capacity andcyclic stability. Further, an asymmetric supercapacitor cell was assembled using the CuO/MPC composite withactivated carbon as electrodes, and gel polymer(PVA-KOH)as electrolyte. This asymmetric device displayshigher electrochemical performance with an energy density of26.6 W hkg¡1and a power density of 438 Wkg¡1.This device holds 69% of initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. These results provide a foundation forinnovation of next generation energy storage device to fulfil the future demand.