Design and development of novel ferrocene-containing carbon nanotube-butacene/graphene oxide nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitor

Supercapacitors are critical for storing alternative energy and powering electrical systems or portable electronics. By combining carbon-based nanomaterials with redox-active materials such as ferrocene (Fc), it should be possible to improve energy and power densities. Here, carbon nanotube (CNT) was first incorporated into an Fc-containing polymer matrix under simple and mild conditions (room temperature). Then, the Fc-modified CNT was intercalated into graphene oxide layers (GO). The advantages of these novel electrode materials are the fast redox response of the as-prepared nanocomposites due to the presence of Fc and the durable stability of the nanocomposites due to the presence of carbon-based nanomaterials such as GO and CNT. The CNT-But/GO1:1 electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 456 mAh g-1 at a current density of 2.5 A g-1 with excellent charge retention (96 % after 5000 GCD cycles). The symmetric cell was then successfully fabricated based on the CNT-But/GO1:1 nanocomposite. The fabricated cell exhibits high specific capacity (104 mAh g-1), excellent charge storage retention (91 %), and high energy and power densities of 94.5 Wh Kg-1, and 8370 W Kg-1, respectively.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the improvement of energy and power densities of supercapacitors by combining carbon nanotubes with redox-active materials. The novel electrode materials, which incorporate carbon nanotube and ferrocene, exhibit fast redox response and durable stability. The fabricated symmetric cell shows high capacity, excellent charge storage retention, and high energy and power densities.