Research Projects

The key objectives of this project are to (i) synthesis superior electrode materials of 2D MXene based MM′Co₂O₄/ Ti₃C₂ (where M= Mn, Ni; M′= Fe, Zn) heterostructures for supercapattery energy storage device application by taking into account the facile, cost-effective and low temperature hydrothermal/solvothermal synthesis procedure technique, (ii) perform fundamental characterization and electrochemical activity study to find superior electrode materials with outstanding energy density along with excellent power density by establishing the relationship between the physico-chemical properties and electrochemical properties of as-synthesized electrode material and (iii) investigate electrochemical performance of two electrode supercapattery device fabricated in laboratory. Nowadays, supercapattery has been considered as pioneer in the field of advanced electrochemical energy storage devices owing to their superior power density (Pd) along with high energy density (Ed), long life cycle, fast charging and discharging rate capability and low maintenance cost. A tremendous amount of attention has been conferred in search of superior electrode material with high specific capacitance, excellent energy density along with power density, fast charging-discharging rate capability and long cycle life for the development of such advanced energy storage devices. Spinel type trimetallic cobalt based transition metal oxide (MM′Co₂O₄) with different morphologies (solid and hollow nano/mirco spheres, nano wires) have been chosen as potential electrode materials in this project work since (i) they are more thermodynamically stable, easier to synthesis in laboratory than other metal chalcogenides and intrinsically vacant in terms of oxygen vacancy, (ii) multiple oxidation states and hierarchical structures may help the ions to travel easily through the surface and layers which further enhance the electron/ion conductivity, multiple redox activity and narrow diffusion path. The conductivity and cycling efficiency of MM′Co₂O₄ will be further increased by introducing Ti₃C₂ by forming MM′Co₂O₄/ Ti₃C₂ heterostructure that may possess large surface area by retaining the redox capacity of MM′Co₂O₄ at higher rate. The experimental investigations such as structural, microstructural, surface and optical characterization of MM′Co₂O₄/Ti₃C₂ by using PXRD, FESEM, HRTEM, BET, UV-Vis techniques etc. provide in-depth information about crystallographic phases, morphology/structures, specific surface area, porosity, bandgap etc. of MM′Co₂O₄/Ti₃C₂. The electrochemical activity of these materials will be investigated in three electrode system. It will be examined how the morphology (composition, shape, size, texture, thickness) of MM′Co₂O₄/Ti₃C₂ heterostructures control the electrochemical behavior to find appropriate electrode materials, which will attain high specific capacitance, high energy density as well as power density and long cycle life.