Synergistic Interactions Between VO2(M) and Ti3C2 Self-Assembled Composite for High-Performance Supercapacitor

Abstract

Deployment of sustainable and high-performance energy storage devices requires rational design of materials with tailored properties. One effective approach is the rational development of hybrid nanostructures. Among various materials, VO₂ and Ti₃C₂ MXene composites offer a promising pathway by addressing their intrinsic shortcomings through synergistic interactions. Herein, VO₂(M)@Ti₃C₂ hybrid composites are employed in a symmetric energy storage system via hydrothermally induced self-assembled growth followed by annealing. The three-electrode configuration of the as-synthesized VO₂(M)@Ti₃C₂ hybrid composites delivered a high specific capacity of 264.2 C g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹. Further, the electrochemical performance in a symmetric device operating within a wide potential window of 0–1.6 V delivered a specific capacity of 85.3 C g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ with a high energy density of 67.6 and 9.6 Wh kg⁻¹ at power densities of 288 and 14,400 W kg⁻¹. Simultaneously, this electrode has shown 100% capacitive retention and Coulombic efficiency over 8000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹. The charge-storage mechanism is found to be diffusion/intercalation-dominated pseudo-capacitance, with no bulk phase change upon repetitive cycling. Overall, the VO₂(M)@Ti₃C₂ electrode in both the three-electrode and symmetric systems showcases its potential as a promising electrode material for next-generation supercapacitive energy storage devices.