Integration of phytonanofabricated NiS with biomass-derived peanut shell activated carbon (NiS/PSAC): a bio-inspired approach to enhance supercapacitor performance and sustainability
摘要
Improving the energy density of supercapacitors, while considering environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness, is a major focus in the development of electrode materials. In this study, we adopted a novel, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach by utilizing the inherent reducing properties of Tridax procumbens L. leaf extract to synthesize NiS nanoparticles. These NiS nanoparticles were prepared using a Phytonanofabrication method, which minimizes the use of toxic reducing agents. The resulting NiS nanoparticles were combined with peanut shell activated carbon (PSAC) to create a NiS/PSAC nanocomposite electrode material, which demonstrated an exceptional specific surface area (SSA) of 352.232 m2 g−1. The NiS/PSAC nanocomposite electrode exhibited diffusion-controlled extrinsic battery-type properties, achieving a rapid charge storage capacity of 552 C g−1 at a current density of 4 A g−1. Additionally, it showed a cycling stability of 91% after 3100 CV cycles at a scan rate of 40 mV s−1. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device (NiS/PSAC//PSAC) was fabricated, using a PSAC electrode as the negative electrode. This device delivered a charge storage capacity of 197.46 C g−1, a specific energy of 37.02 Wh kg−1, and a specific power of 4724 W kg−1 even at a high current density of 3.5 A g−1. These outstanding electrochemical results, along with a cyclic stability of 80.8% are attributed to the synergy between the NiS nanoparticles and the high SSA biomass-derived PSAC. Overall, Phytonanofabrication, a bio-inspired approach, has proven to be a viable, sustainable, and cost-effective method for producing potential electrode material NiS/PSAC nanocomposites for energy storage applications.