Electrochemical synergy for energy storage: Uncovering the potential of h-BN and V2C MXene integration

Abstract

The growing global energy demand has led to extensive research into high-performance supercapacitors. Supercapacitor’s performance greatly relies on the working electrode whose efficiency is primarily determined by its charge storage capacity. To explore novel working electrode, in this work, we developed delaminated vanadium carbide (d-V₂C-MXene) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) composites and evaluated their electrochemical properties in a 1 M H₂SO₄ aqueous electrolyte. The structural properties of the heterostructured electrodes were characterized using x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful exfoliation of V₂C from its parent MAX phase (V₂AlCTₓ). The d-V₂C/h-BN composite demonstrated pseudocapacitive behavior, achieving a high specific capacitance of 895.72 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. Dunn’s analysis revealed significant capacitive contributions from d-V₂C-MXene. Furthermore, the integrated d-V₂C-MXene supercapacitors exhibited excellent cycling stability, retaining approximately 89.5 % of their capacitance after 5000 cycles when paired with h-BN. Asymmetric supercapacitor tests validated the robustness of d-V₂C-MXene, showing an energy density of 88.8 Wh/kg and a power density of 2867 W/kg. This study introduces a pioneering approach by integrating d-V₂C with h-BN for pseudocapacitor applications, representing the first report of such a combination. The synergy between these materials enhances electrochemical performance, contributing to the advancement of next-generation energy storage technologies.