Novel chemical route for synthesis of CeO2-ZnO nanocomposite towards high electrochemical supercapacitor application

Herein, CeO2-ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple chemical precipitation method. The crystallite size and structure of composite were investigated using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The morphology and actual size of nanocomposite are determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution electron microscopy (HR-TEM), revealing monodispersed spherical-shaped articles with size of similar to 5 nm. Optical and magnetic properties of composite were examined by UV-Vis, PL and EPR studies. The electrochemical supercapacitor performance of CeO2-ZnO nanocomposite was employed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The highest specific capacitance of 424 Fg(-1) at scan rate of 5 mVs(-1) from CV and 377 Fg(-1) at current density of 1 Ag-1 from GCD was achieved. High capacitance retention of 94.6% was attained at the current density of 1 Ag-1. This work demonstrates that good reversibility, better rate capability and long-term stability of CeO2-ZnO composite electrode were applicable in wide-range potential applications.

Automated summary

CeO2-ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized by chemical precipitation, exhibiting excellent electrochemical supercapacitor performance with a high specific capacitance of 424 Fg(-1). The composite electrode showed good reversibility, better rate capability, and long-term stability, making it applicable in a wide range of potential applications.