Abstract:
Two-dimensional multilayered MXene is a promising electrode material for supercapacitor
application. Studies have revealed that using MXene as electrode material in supercapacitors
yields a high specific capacitance and enhanced electrochemical performance. However, the twodimensional structure of MXene nanosheets are prone to self-restacking due to Van der Waals
forces, which decreases the active sites for ion adsorption-desorption, thereby limiting its
electrochemical properties. We devised a strategy to overcome this issue, by making a composite
of MXene with activated carbon (AC) can not only prevent aggregation of MXene sheets, but the
porous structure of AC can also provide abundant channels for rapid electrolyte ion transport.
Biomass derived activated carbon was successfully synthesized by KOH activation method. It
not only showed superior electrochemical properties but is also a cost-effective and sustainable
alternative to other carbon materials. The synthesized MXene/AC composites demonstrated
excellent electrochemical performance which is ascribed to the high porosity and surface area
offered by activated carbon, and the synergistic effect of excellent conductivity of MXene and
biomass derived activated carbon. XRD pattern confirmed the successful synthesis of MXene,
AC and their composites. Raman revealed that degree of disorder increases, and degree of
graphitization decreases with increase in AC content in MXene. BET analysis showed a similar
trend, an increase in the surface area of the composites with an increased amount of AC. SEM
showed the successful transformation of MXene from MAX phase, porous structure of AC and a
2D/3D conductive network of MXene/AC composites. Electrochemical analysis revealed MAC3
exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1080 F/g at 5 mV/s, outperforming both MXene and
activated carbon. MAC3 also displayed a good cyclic stability of 81.1% and a Coulombic
efficiency of 98.5% after 300 cycles. These results indicate that the synthesized MXene/AC
composite can be used as an efficient electrode material for enhanced performance of
supercapacitors.
