Ultrasonic disorder-induced deposition of TiO2 nanorod arrays and C60 coating on carbon cloth for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

Abstract

To address the growing need for high-performing and stable energy storage devices, optimizing the durability and structure of supercapacitor electrodes is crucial. Traditional electrodes frequently face challenges in achieving an optimal balance between electrochemical capacity and structural stability. This study presents the synthesis of TiO₂/CC@C array electrodes through ultrasonic disorder-induced deposition (UDID), specifically for high-performing supercapacitor applications. The impact of different ultrasonic power levels (50–200 W) on the electrodes’ structural and electrochemical properties was systematically examined. SEM analysis indicated that the sample prepared at 150 W showed an optimal, densely packed array of TiO₂ nanorods with improved surface uniformity, facilitating efficient ion transport. The 150 W TiO₂/CC@C sample displayed a 46.73 m²/g specific surface area and a mean pore diameter of 9.35 nm, contributing to improved charge storage capacity. Raman spectroscopic analysis further confirmed the successful synthesis of the TiO₂/CC@C composite, revealing distinct TiO₂ and carbon-related peaks. Electrochemical measurements showed that this electrode attained a specific capacitance of 687.3F/g at a scan rate equal to 5 mV/s. The system delivered an energy density equal to 158.4 Wh/kg at a power density of 20 W/kg when assembled as an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with AC as the positive electrode. Furthermore, after 10,000 cycles, it maintained 86.3 % of its initial capacitance demonstrating outstanding cycling stability. These findings indicate that optimizing ultrasonic power to 150 W significantly improves both the structural and electrochemical performance of TiO₂/CC@C, making it a promising candidate for advanced supercapacitor applications.