Insights into the Morphological Effects of 1D, 2D, and 3D CoV-Layered Double Hydroxides on Their Electrochemical Performance in Supercapacitors

Abstract

In this study, bimetallic cobalt–vanadium-based layered double hydroxide (CoV-LDH) systems were developed by varying the Co/V molar ratios (1:1 and 2:1) and hydrothermal temperatures (120 and 180 °C). Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the successful formation of CoV-LDH with a unique structure and lattice distortions, reflecting the influence of both the metal concentrations and temperature on the crystal and chemical structures of the developed bimetallic systems. Similarly, the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images revealed a flaky 2D nanosheet-like structure for the bimetallic CoV-LDH with a 1:1 ratio prepared at 120 °C (CVL1–120), whereas one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) morphologies were observed for other bimetallic CoV-LDH systems prepared with a different molar ratio (2:1) and/or temperature (180 °C). Electrochemical analysis performed in a three-electrode setup demonstrated a specific capacitance of 314.4 F g^–1 at 1 A g^–1 current density for CVL1–120, which is ∼4.5 and 5.2 times higher than those of monometallic Co and V-LDH, respectively. In addition, CVL1–120 exhibited an excellent capacitance retention of ∼97% over 5000 charge–discharge cycles with 100% Coulombic efficiency at 10 A g^–1. Furthermore, the developed asymmetric device delivered an energy density of 36.5 Wh kg^–1 and a power density of 1208.2 W kg^–1. This enhanced performance of CVL1–120 was attributed to its two-dimensional (2D) flaky structures, with rich intercalated ions serving as electroactive sites, facilitating enhanced charge storage efficiency and improved stability, making it suitable as an electrode material for sustainable supercapacitors.