Synthesis and Electrochemical Evaluation of CuO/ZnO @Hierarchical Porous Graphitic Carbon Spheres for Enhanced Supercapacitive Applications

• Authors
• Authors and affiliations

ABSTRACT

In this study, CuO/ZnO@hierarchical porous graphitic carbon spheres (CuO/ZnO@HPGCS) nanocomposites were synthesized via a cost-effective low-temperature water-bath technique. Chitosan was employed as a carbon precursor, while PVP and PEG acted as stabilizing agents to ensure the formation of well-structured porous carbon spheres. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), were utilized to analyze the morphology, structure, and elemental composition of the synthesized materials. The electrochemical behavior of the CuO/ZnO@HPGCS electrodes was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Compared to pure CuO/ZnO and standalone HPGCS electrodes, the CuO/ZnO@HPGCS nanocomposites exhibited significantly improved supercapacitive performance. The specific capacitance of CuO/ZnO@HPGCS reached an impressive 1875 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s, substantially outperforming CuO/ZnO (1229 F/g) and HPGCS (798 F/g). This enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the high conductivity and large surface area of HPGCS and the electroactive properties of transition metal oxides. The porous structure of HPGCS provided ample active sites and improved charge transfer dynamics, thereby boosting the overall electrochemical performance. The study demonstrates the potential of CuO/ZnO@HPGCS nanocomposites as advanced materials for energy storage applications, offering a scalable and cost-efficient approach to fabricating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes for industrial and commercial use.

Significance of the Study:

The research highlights a cost-effective and scalable method for fabricating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes. The incorporation of CuO/ZnO into hierarchical porous graphitic carbon spheres significantly enhances charge transfer, energy storage capacity, and overall electrochemical properties. The findings contribute to the development of efficient, durable, and commercially viable supercapacitor materials for industrial applications. This study also aligns with global efforts toward sustainable energy storage solutions, providing a foundation for future research on optimizing synthesis techniques and improving long-term stability for real-world applications.

Summary of the Study:

This study presents the synthesis of CuO/ZnO@hierarchical porous graphitic carbon spheres (CuO/ZnO@HPGCS) using a low-temperature water-bath method. Chitosan, PVP, and PEG were employed to form well-structured porous carbon spheres, ensuring high electrochemical efficiency. Characterization techniques confirmed the structural and compositional integrity of the nanocomposite. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrated a remarkable specific capacitance of 1875 F/g, outperforming pure CuO/ZnO and standalone HPGCS. The synergy between the transition metal oxides and the porous carbon structure enhanced charge storage capacity, conductivity, and electrochemical performance, making CuO/ZnO@HPGCS a promising material for next-generation supercapacitor applications.