Improved inclusive performance of bi-stacked NiO nanoflakes coated nano-Co3O4 for dual function: An electrochromic-supercapacitor

As technology progresses, electrochromic supercapacitors realize the need for active chromophores to reduce energy consumption and manufacture power-efficient devices. A simultaneous effect of chromic modulation and energy storage has been achieved in a bi-layer stacked film of two different metal oxides (NiO@Co3O4). Staking of the film changes their suppressed resultant energy levels thereby obtaining less charge transfer resistance in an electrochemical cell. The electrochemistry of the fabricated electrodes in an alkaline medium displays its dominant capacitive behavior and therefore leads to the formation of an electric double layer at the electrode/ electrolyte interface. While charging, the intercalation/de-intercalation of ions changes the oxidation state of metals at the electrode surface and responds to a finite chromic modulation. A well-defined interplay between the chromic modulation (eta CE = 27.5 cm2/C) and its capacitive performance (158 F/g) has been identified. At last, with a good reversible redox activity, the electrode was also checked as a counter electrode to exhibit better electrochromic performance with small organic viologen material.

Automated summary

In the field of electrochromic supercapacitors, active chromophores are introduced to reduce energy consumption and create power-efficient devices. By using a bi-layer stacked film of two different metal oxides (NiO@Co3O4), the simultaneous effect of chromic modulation and energy storage is achieved. The stacking of the film alters their suppressed resultant energy levels, resulting in less charge transfer resistance in an electrochemical cell. The fabricated electrodes display dominant capacitive behavior in an alkaline medium, forming an electric double layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The intercalation/de-intercalation of ions during charging changes the oxidation state of metals at the electrode surface and produces a finite chromic modulation. An interplay between the chromic modulation (eta CE = 27.5 cm2/C) and its capacitive performance (158 F/g) has been identified. Finally, the electrode is also tested as a counter electrode and shows improved electrochromic performance with a small organic viologen material.