Sustainable Stabilization of Bimetallic MOF via Bamboo-Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are frequently employed as electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their high specific surface area and tunable pore structures. However, this class of materials suffers from low conductivity and cyclic stability, which deteriorates their capacitive performance. Herein, we made a simple hydrothermal synthesis approach to prepare a bimetallic MOF and activated carbon (AC) composite. The easy availability, extremely cheap, and porous bamboo structure makes it suitable for AC production. It exhibits a distinct structure, where the NiCo-MOF nano flakes are outspreaded on the ACs’ surface. Compared with the pristine NiCo-MOF, the composite has enhanced electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance of NiCo-MOF and NiCo-MOF/AC in three electrode measurements are 420 F g⁻¹ and 685 F g⁻¹. It exhibits a 63% improvement in particular capacitance. The rate capability of composite electrodes is about 60% when the current density at 12 A g⁻¹. Also, it exhibits good cyclic stability of about 91% after 1000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. This study shows that soft, chemically synthesized, bimetallic MOF/bamboo-derived AC can be a promising electrode material for SC applications.