Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance by Harnessing Carbon Nanoparticles and Colloidal SnO2 Quantum Dots

Abstract

The creation of effective supercapacitor materials is still a priority in the quest to improve energy storage technology. Herein, we present a novel nanocomposite composed of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and colloidal SnO2 quantum dots (c-SQDs) or colloidal SnO2 ultrasmall nanoparticles, synthesized through a facile sonochemical-assisted hydrothermal approach. The XRD and XPS analyses confirmed the successful synthesis and composition of the CNP/c-SQD nanocomposite. Morphology studies revealed a well-dispersed morphology with intimate interfacial interactions between the CNPs and c-SQDs. Specifically, the nanocomposite exhibited a high specific capacitance of 569 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g, surpassing conventional carbon-based supercapacitors. Furthermore, the nanocomposite displayed excellent stability with 99% capacity retention after 5000 cycles, indicative of its superior cyclability. These results underscore the potential of the CNP/c-SQD nanocomposite as a promising electrode material for high-performance supercapacitor applications, offering enhanced charge storage capacity, stability, and cyclability. This study contributes to the advancement of energy storage technologies, paving the way for the development of efficient and sustainable electrochemical energy storage devices.