Nanoengineering bismuth-modified vanadium carbide MXene for enhanced electrochemical performance in neutral electrolyte: A pathway toward high-performance supercapacitors

• Published in: Journal of energy storage Vol. 85; p. 110962
• Main Authors: Akir, Sana, Lontio Fomekong, Roussin, Chacko, Levna, Děkanovský, Lukáš, Mazánek, Vlastimil, Sturala, Jiri, Koňáková, Dana, Sofer, Zdeněk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 30.04.2024
• Subjects: Bismuth; Energy storage; MXene; Neutral electrolyte; Supercapacitor; Neutral electrolyte; Bismuth; Supercapacitor; MXene; Energy storage
• ISSN: 2352-152X; 2352-1538
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2024.110962

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes are currently receiving significant attention in the field of energy storage due to their exceptional properties, such as high electrical conductivity and large specific surface area. However, their practical application often faces limitations caused by sluggish ion kinetics resulting from layer restacking. To overcome this challenge, researchers have explored various strategies to enhance the electrochemical capacitance of MXenes. This study uses a simple solid-state chemistry method to synthesize V2CTx decorated with bismuth nanoparticles (Bi NPs). The decoration of MXene sheets with Bi NPs is highly beneficial, significantly improving conductivity and suppressing restacking. Consequently, a symmetric device utilizing Bi/V2CTx in a 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte exhibits a high specific capacitance of 155 F g−1 and an areal capacitance of 775 mF cm−2 at 0.16 A g−1, within the voltage range of 0–1.8 V. Moreover, an ultrahigh energy density of 65.75 Wh kg−1 is achieved at a power density of 2225 W kg−1, accompanied by impressive capacitance retention of 93 % after 3000 cycles at 0.49 A g−1. These findings highlight the potential of Bi/V2CTx as a promising material for next-generation energy storage applications. Boosting Symmetric Supercapacitor Efficiency through Bismuth-Modified V2CTx. [Display omitted] •Bismuth-decorated V2CTx MXene was synthesized using a solid-state chemistry method.•An excellent specific capacitance of 155 F g−1 was achieved with Na2SO4 electrolyte for the Bi/V2CTx supercapacitor.•The Bi/V2CTx supercapacitor demonstrated outstanding energy of 65.75 Wh Kg−1 at a power density of 2225 W kg−1.•The Bi/V2CTx device displayed excellent cycling stability of ∼93 % capacitance retention over 3000 cycles.