Facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of GdVO4 nanospheres: unlocking their potential as electrodes for supercapacitors

In the face of current energy and environmental challenges, electrochemical storage devices emerge as a promising alternative. Specifically, supercapacitors are highly valued for their exceptional ability to deliver rapid responses and exhibit high-power capabilities. Although rare-earth compounds have received less attention in the electrochemical storage field, the utilization of nanotechnology tools allows for precise manipulation of their shape and size, which opens new possibilities for developing novel configurations with improved properties, presenting previously unexplored applications. Herein, we set a new electrode material consisting of nanospheres of gadolinium vanadate (GdVO4) synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, which was a crucial component in preparing nickel foam-based electrodes. The material was thoroughly characterized, revealing interesting properties for energy storage applications. The electrode delivered a high specific capacitance of 1203.75 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) and good cycling stability after 500 cycles. Then, an asymmetric supercapacitor was performed, reaching 80.63 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) and 130.2 Wh kg(-1) of energy density when the power density was 2880.18 W kg(-1). Thus, this study highlights the potential of GdVO4 as an electrode material in electrochemical energy storage applications.

Automated summary

In the face of current energy and environmental challenges, electrochemical storage devices, particularly supercapacitors, have emerged as a promising alternative. This study focuses on the utilization of nanospheres of gadolinium vanadate as electrode material, synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, which exhibits interesting properties for energy storage applications. A high specific capacitance and good cycling stability were achieved, indicating the potential of gadolinium vanadate as an electrode material in electrochemical energy storage applications.