Nano iron oxide (Fe2O3)/carbon black electrodes for electrochemical capacitors

In this research, nano iron oxide (Fe2O3)/carbon black electrodes are prepared by mechanical pressing method and evaluated as possible electrodes for electrochemical capacitors. Electrochemical properties of the produced electrodes are studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests in 2 M KCl electrolyte at different scan rates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is also used to characterize the microstructure and nature of the produced electrodes. Electrochemical stability of the electrodes is investigated by switching the electrode back and forth for 500 cycles at 20 mV s−1.The results obtained show a specific capacitance of as high as 40.07 F g−1 for 30:60:10 (carbon black:Fe2O3:polytetrafluoroethylene) electrode in 2 M KCl at 10 mV s−1. The proposed electrode exhibits good cyclic stability and maintains 80% of the capacitance after 500 cycles. SEM images confirm the porous structure of Fe2O3/carbon black electrodes.

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► Fe2O3/CB nanocomposite has been suggested as supercapacitors electrode material.
► 30:60:10 (CB:Fe2O3:PTFE) electrode has as high as 40.07 F g−1 specific capacitance.
► Electrodes show porous surfaces, improve charge storage and delivering capability.
► Cycling tests confirm reversibility and increase the resistance after 500 cycles.
► CV curves reveal a low current response on voltage reversal at high scan rates.