Green mediated fabrication and characterization of ZnO/Ag nanocomposite for energy storage applications

The present work is intended to investigate the charge carrying properties of nanomaterials for super capacitor applications by electrochemical studies. The nanomaterials were fabricated by green route process by the rhizome of Corallo carpus epigaeus for the first time. The silver nanomaterials were composited over the zinc oxide nanomaterial to improve the efficiency of the energy storage system. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum confirm the functional molecules present in the nanomaterial. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic images evidenced the oval shape of zinc oxide and hexagonal shape of silver nanomaterials. The purity of the nanomaterials was investigated using energy dispersive spectrum. The structural property of the material was studied by x-ray Diffraction. The energy storage capacity was investigated by electrochemical studies. Higher efficiency was observed when the impurity is added with the base material. The specific capacitance was calculated as 160.8 F g(-1) for ZnO nanomaterials and 189.52 F g(-1) for ZnO/Ag nanocomposites at the current density of 0.5 A g(-1). The electrochemical impedance studies were also carried out for the fabricated nanomaterials. The ZnO nanomaterials possess 603 Omega of electron transfer resistance. While adding Ag+ ions over the ZnO nanomaterials, the conductivity (Ret = 489 Omega) was remarkably increased.