Sustainable synthesis and electrochemical characterization of Ti3C2/Fe1-xBaxCr2O4 nanocomposite for enhanced Supercapacitor electrode performance

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the synthesized Ti₃C₂ and Ti₃C₂/Fe_1-xBaₓCr₂O₄ nanocomposite, highlighting their potential as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), we established the crystalline structure, revealing crystallite sizes of 13.29 nm and 20.00 nm for Ti₃C₂ and the nanocomposite, respectively, with corresponding crystallinity indices of 60% and 70%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that Ti₃C₂ exhibited a characteristic layered structure, while the composite demonstrated a more granular morphology with integrated ferrite particles, enhancing its magnetic properties. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the elemental composition, including titanium, iron, barium, and chromium, validating the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis indicated a significant band gap reduction from 2.05 eV for Ti₃C₂ to 1.77 eV for the composite, suggesting enhanced light absorption capabilities. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated impressive electrochemical performance, with a maximum specific capacitance of 728.5 F/g in 1 M H₂SO₄. These findings collectively underscore the structural integrity, enhanced electrochemical properties, and multifunctional potential of the Ti₃C₂/Fe_1-xBaₓCr₂O₄ nanocomposite for advanced energy storage applications.