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Ni (Nickel) doped zeolitic-imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) has been prepared in presence of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to realize a ZIF-67/rGO composite. The doping level of Ni and the ratio of rGO (wt%) in the composite have been optimized to attain desirable redox activity and electrical conductivity. A partial incorporation of redox active Ni ions to substitute Co (cobalt) ions in ZIF-67 has resulted in better electrochemical characteristics by inducing additional pseudocapacitance. A finalized composite with 33% Ni and 20% of rGO (i.e, Ni 33 /ZIF-67/rGO 20) has been used as a supercapacitor electrode material to achieve a high specific capacitance of 304 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in the presence of 1 M H 2 SO 4 as an aqueous electrolyte. The above electrode has also been tested for an all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor in the presence of a polymer gel electrolyte (PVA/1 M H 2 SO 4). This device delivered high values of power and energy densities, i.e., 1 kW/kg and 21.5 Wh/kg, respectively. The device also exhibited an excellent cyclic stability. About 87% of capacitance could be retained even after 4500 charge-discharge cycles. The device has shown superior results for a working potential window of 0–2 V. The practical usefulness of the device has been demonstrated by preparing a symmetrical supercapacitor, which could energize a white LED for 8 min upon a charging of only 40 s. Image 1 • High surface area and conductive composite of Ni doped ZIF-67/rGO is synthesized. • The as synthesized composite is studied for 2V symmetrical supercapacitor device. • Supercapacitor displays long cycle life of 87% after 4500 charge-discharge cycles. • High values of energy (21.5 W h/kg) and power (1 kW/kg) densities are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The role of redox additive electrolytes in supercapacitors is gaining an increased significance. The present research work, for the first time, investigates the supercapacitor performance of a rGO/TiO 2 nanosheet composite (prepared via facile one step hydrothermal reaction route) electrode in combination with a redox additive electrolyte, i.e., 0.2 M K 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ] in 1 M Na 2 SO 4. The synergistic effects between the porous rGO/TiO 2 nanosheet electrode and the optimized redox electrolyte have helped to achieve a significantly high specific capacitance of 1565 F/g at a current density of 3 A/g (working potential window = −0.1–0.5 V). This value of specific capacitance is much higher than achievable with the application of a plain aqueous electrolyte (e.g., 1 M Na 2 SO 4). Furthermore, rGO/TiO 2 nanosheet electrodes have been used to fabricate a symmetrical supercapacitor device which has delivered an excellent specific capacitance value of 204.5 F/g at a current density of 1.5 A/g. The device also yielded promising values of energy density (15.5 Wh/kg) and power density (1.1 kW/kg) apart from showing a long-term cyclic stability (∼87%) even after 1000 continuous charge-discharge cycles. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A composite of rGO/TiO 2 nanosheets has been explored as a supercapacitor electrode. • 0.2 M K 3 [Fe(CN) 6 ] in 1 M Na 2 SO 4 has been used as an optimized electrolyte. • Selection of above electrode and electrolyte yielded high specific capacitance. • A specific capacitance of 1565 F/g has been achieved at a current density of 3 A/g. • High values of energy (15.5 Wh/Kg) and power (1.1 kW/kg) densities were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, renewable kraft lignin-based nanofibers were synthesized by facile electrospinning technique and further converted into carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by heat treatment at different temperatures (600, 800 and 1000 °C). These different heat treated carbon nanofiber mats were characterized using SEM, Raman, FTIR, BET and electrochemical workstation. These CNFs were used as a free-standing electrode and characterized for electrochemical performance using a three-electrode system. Among different electrodes, the 800 °C heat treated CNF electrode shows higher specific capacitance (196.63 F/g @ 1 A/g) as compared to the 600 and 1000 °C heat treated CNF electrodes. Based on the electrochemical performance, 800 °C heat treated CNF electrode is selected to assemble two different types of symmetrical supercapacitor devices i.e., aqueous (using 1 M H 2 SO 4) and solid-state electrolyte using PVA-1M H 2 SO 4 polymer gel. The solid-state electrolyte device operating potential window of 0–2 V which is higher than that of an aqueous electrolyte based device. In addition to this, it delivers higher energy and power density as 62.6 Wh/kg and 1.25 kW/kg respectively with an efficiency of 99.5% after 10,000 cycles. These remarkable results of Kraft lignin-derived ribbon type CNF based solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor device opens new paths for the development of futuristic carbon-based free-standing mat as energy storage devices. • Lignin (90%) based carbon nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning and heat treatment at different temperatures. • Effect of heat treatment on microstructure, surface area and functional groups has been studied extensively. • The assembled symmetrical solid state supercapacitor device operates within a wide potential window of 0–2 V. • It shows superior long cycle life of 99.5% after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. • The solid-state supercapacitor device shows high values of energy (62.6 Wh/kg) and power (1.25 kW/kg) density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]