Enhancing supercapacitor energy density by TiN–ZnS composites unveiled as a promising electrode

Abstract

This work describes a low-cost wet chemical synthesis technique to produce TiN–ZnS nanocomposites suitable for high energy density supercapacitors. Ti, Zn, N, and S elements in the synthesized materials were verified using comprehensive morphological, structural, and surface chemical investigations. Due to improved electric conductivity and electroactivity, this TiN–ZnS nanocomposite electrode exhibited excellent capacitance and charge transport kinetics, outperforming individual TiN and ZnS electrodes in electrochemical performance. The TiN–ZnS || MnO2 electrode configuration in an asymmetric supercapacitor system exhibited a high energy density of 74.13 Wh kg−1 and an exceptional power density of 7648 W kg−1 at a current density of 9 A g−1. The TiN–ZnS electrode also showed a remarkable retention rate of 96.8% even after 10 000 cycles. This work highlights the potential of the TiN–ZnS composite as a high-performance electrode for supercapacitors.