Electrochemical investigation of Ti₃C₂T_x (MXene), N-Ti₃C₂T_x, and the Ti₃C₂T_x/Co₃O₄ hybrid composite deposited on carbon cloth for use as anode materials in flexible supercapacitors

Supercapacitors have been studied as a potential complementary technology for rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and dielectric capacitors. Wearable energy storage systems need freestanding, flexible electrodes for maximum functioning. Optimal energy storage system performance demands an optimal balance between mechanical component flexibility and electrode energy storage and release efficiency. This work specifically focuses on investigation and comparison of the electrochemical performance of the synthesized Ti₃C₂T_x, N-Ti₃C₂T_x, and the Ti₃C₂T_x/Co₃O₄ hybrid composite. Co₃O₄ NPs have been synthesized using an innovative and cost-effective novel synthesis route employing a “microplasma discharge reactor”. This offers significant benefits, including the effective prevention of hazardous reducing agent generation in comparison to other routes. Upon exposure to 1 A g⁻¹ current density, the Ti₃C₂T_x/Co₃O₄ hybrid composite electrode demonstrates a maximum gravimetric capacity of 128 F g⁻¹ and a specific capacitance of 576.7 F g⁻¹, exhibiting a significant 95.06% increase in specific capacitance compared to Ti₃C₂T_x. Furthermore, from the kinetic analysis of the CV curves, it has been noticed that the contributions of the diffusion-controlled and pseudocapacitive-controlled processes are 60% and 40%, respectively, in the charge storage for the applied Ti₃C₂T_x/Co₃O₄ hybrid composite electrode.