This study reports a binder-free, catalyst-free method for fabricating vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) directly on copper (Cu) foil using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) applications. This approach eliminates the need for catalyst layers, polymeric binders, or substrate pre-treatments, simplifying electrode design and enhancing electrical integration. The resulting VACNTs form a dense, uniform, and porous array with strong adhesion to the Cu substrate, minimizing contact resistance and improving conductivity. Electrochemical analysis shows gravimetric specific capacitance (Cgrav) and areal specific capacitance (Careal) of 8 F g−1 and 3.5 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, with low equivalent series resistance (3.70 Ω) and charge transfer resistance (0.48 Ω), enabling efficient electron transport and rapid ion diffusion. The electrode demonstrates excellent rate capability and retains 92% of its initial specific capacitance after 3000 charge–discharge cycles, indicating strong cycling stability. These results demonstrate the potential of directly grown VACNT-based electrodes for high-performance EDLCs, particularly in applications requiring rapid charge–discharge cycles and sustained energy delivery.
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Cobalt Oxide-Decorated Silicon Carbide Nano-Tree Array Electrode for Micro-Supercapacitor Application
A cobalt oxide (Co3O4)-decorated silicon carbide (SiC) nano-tree array (denoted as Co3O4/SiC NTA) electrode is synthesized, and it is investigated for use in micro-supercapacitor applications. Firstly, the well-standing SiC nanowires (NWs) are prepared by nickel (Ni)-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and then the thin layer of Co3O4 and the hierarchical Co3O4 nano-flower-clusters are, respectively, fabricated on the side-walls and the top side of the SiC NWs via electrodeposition. The deposition of Co3O4 on the SiC NWs benefits the charge transfer at the electrode/aqueous electrolyte interface due to its extremely hydrophilic surface characteristic after Co3O4 decoration. Furthermore, the Co3O4/SiC NTA electrode provides a directional charge transport route along the length of SiC nanowires owing to their well-standing architecture. By using the Co3O4/SiC NTA electrode for micro-supercapacitor application, the areal capacitance obtained from cyclic voltammetry measurement reaches 845 mF cm−2 at a 10 mV s−1 scan rate. Finally, the capacitance durability is also evaluated by the cycling test of cyclic voltammetry at a high scan rate of 150 mV s−1 for 2000 cycles, exhibiting excellent stability.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1903188
- PAR ID:
- 10326353
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Materials
- Volume:
- 14
- Issue:
- 16
- ISSN:
- 1996-1944
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 4514
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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