Exploiting the energy storage potential of hierarchical ZnCoTe hollow nanoflowers

Abstract

Thanks to their exceptional electrical conductivity and desirable electrochemical behavior, mixed metal tellurides (MMTes) are acquiring the spotlight in supercapacitors. Herein, we report a facile self-templating strategy to create hierarchical ZnCoTe hollow nanoflowers (ZCT). Our procedure uses a ZnCo layered double hydroxide nanoflowers (ZCLDH) for synthesis of ZCT and these nanostructures are utilized as desirable materials for supercapacitors. The insertion of Te in the structure of ZCT notably enhances its conductivity. Besides, the special morphology of the ZCT circumvents the pulverization and aggregation issues and ensures structural longevity during cycling processes. Capitalizing on their structural as well as compositional advantages, the ZCT unveils excellent efficiency. It demonstrates a marvelous capacity of 1152C g⁻¹ and preserves a good 77.75 % capacity retention at 28 A g⁻¹. Also, it discloses an impressive lastingness of 90.12 %. An important accomplishment of this work is the creation of a hybrid device ((−)AC||ZCT(+)). This cell exposes an energy density (E_D) of 64 Wh kg⁻¹ at the power density (P_D) of 800 W kg⁻¹. This research opens avenues for the fabrication of telluride-based materials for other applications.