Cost-effective one-pot fabrication of iron(iii) oxychloride-iron(iii) oxide nanomaterials for supercapacitor charge storage

Abstract

In this study, the cost-effective one-pot fabrication of iron(iii) oxychloride-iron(iii) oxide nanomaterials for supercapacitor charge storage has been achieved. We incorporated iron(iii) oxychloride and iron(iii) oxide materials into an intercalated polypyrrole (PPy). The resulting composite has a promising crystalline size of 10 nm, indicative of favorable crystalline behavior. Upon complete analysis of the synthesized material, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction reinforce that iron(iii) oxychloride and iron(iii) oxide are chemically connected with the PPy network. The core-shell structure features a spherical core approximately 105 nm in diameter, with surface spots ranging from 20 to 30 nm. This morphology provides a high surface area, making it highly suitable for electrical applications and charge storage. The combination of iron(iii) oxychloride-iron(iii) oxide inorganic components with the small-sized PPy enhances its electrical properties for energy storage through the fabricated pseudosupercapacitor. The effectiveness of this composite is evaluated using a three-electrode cell, where the composite paste serves as the working electrode with 28.6 W·h·kg-1 energy density (E) and 350 F·g-1 specific capacitance (C S) at a current density of 1.0 A·g-1. This highlights the composite's potential as a highly efficient, cost-effective supercapacitor material. Additionally, the stability of this supercapacitor is 98.1% after 1,000 cycles, suggesting its suitability for commercial applications.