Ag₂WO₄/g-C₃N₄ Nanocomposite for Energy Storage
Energy storage technologies are rapidly evolving to meet the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions. One promising area of research involves the development of high-performance electrode materials with superior electrochemical characteristics. This study investigates the synergy between silver tungstate (Ag₂WO₄) nanorods and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) through the fabrication of a hybrid nanocomposite. The focus is on enhancing the specific capacity and cyclic stability of supercapacitors by integrating the complementary properties of bimetallic oxides and layered carbon-based materials.
Synthesis of Ag₂WO₄ Nanorods and Ag₂WO₄/g-C₃N₄ Nanocomposite
The Ag₂WO₄ nanorods were synthesized via a controlled solvothermal method, producing well-defined rod-like morphologies. These nanorods were then uniformly anchored onto the layered sheets of g-C₃N₄ through ultrasonication, forming the Ag₂WO₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite. This fabrication strategy ensures tight interfacial contact and structural integrity, essential for effective charge transport and stability during cycling.
Structural and Morphological Characterization
The structural and morphological analyses using techniques such as XRD and TEM confirmed the successful formation of Ag₂WO₄ nanorods and their uniform dispersion over g-C₃N₄. The stacking of g-C₃N₄ provides a large surface area and a conductive matrix, enhancing the electrode/electrolyte interface. This architectural synergy is key to boosting the charge storage ability of the resulting nanocomposite.
Electrochemical Performance and Stability Analysis
The Ag₂WO₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite displayed a high specific capacity of 456 C g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ and demonstrated excellent capacity retention of 91% after 8000 cycles. These results illustrate the robustness and longevity of the composite as an electrode material in supercapacitor applications, validating its high-performance nature in repetitive charge/discharge scenarios.
Hybrid Supercapacitor Device Configuration and Energy Metrics
A hybrid supercapacitor device (HSC) was assembled with Ag₂WO₄/g-C₃N₄ as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. The resulting device exhibited an impressive energy density of 47.18 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 1124.8 W kg⁻¹. This configuration leverages the complementary redox activity of Ag₂WO₄ and the high surface area of AC, demonstrating a well-balanced system for advanced energy storage.
DFT and QTAIM Analysis for Electronic Insight
Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed a direct band gap in bulk Ag₂WO₄, indicating its semiconducting behavior suitable for energy devices. The density of states analysis shows key contributions from Ag-d and O-p orbitals in Ag₂WO₄ and N-p orbitals in g-C₃N₄. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis identified transient bonding (Ag1–N37) at the Ag₂WO₄(011)/g-C₃N₄ interface, further explaining the efficient charge transfer mechanism in the composite.
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