Enhanced supercapacitor performance with CZTS-based carbon nanocomposites electrodes: An electrochemical study

Abstract

The latest assessments emphasize the pressing need for effective energy storage systems as a result of limited energy availability and environmental apprehensions. This work investigates the production of a new composite material, Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS)/functionalized-Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube (f-MWCNT), using a hydrothermal method. We analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of nanocomposite materials (CZTS (10), CZTS (20), and CZTS (40)) produced with 10 %, 20 %, and 40 % f-MWCNT by weight, respectively, as possible electrodes for supercapacitors. This work is the first to investigate the electrochemical properties of CZTS/f-MWCNT nanocomposites in this specific situation.Electrochemical measurements demonstrated considerable performance increases, notably for the CZTS (20) sample, which achieved a specific capacitance of 171F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Even at increased scan rates, the capacitance remained high at 94F/g, exhibiting strong rate capability. After 3000 cycles, the nanocomposite preserved 99 % of its original capacity. These findings imply that the excellent conductivity and large surface area of f-MWCNT greatly decrease charge transfer and ion diffusion resistance, boosting the nanocomposite’s capacitance performance. The CZTS/f-MWCNT nanocomposite has significant promise for use in energy storage and conversion devices.