Exploring multi-metallic integration of (Co, Cu, Fe) in ZnS nanostructures: A new paradigm for energy-intensive hybrid supercapacitors

Abstract

The synthesis of advanced, multi-component, and nanostructured composites with auspicious morphology exploits the synergistic effect to boost energy storage performance. In this concern, integrating potential multi-elements has been a reliable and effective method to lift the electrode competencies. Herein, we report binder-free co-integration of Co, Cu, and Fe in ZnS forms Zn1-x=y=zCoxCuyFezS (ZCCFS) nanostructure by hydrothermal method. The ZCCFS (Z5) electrodes delivered exceptional areal capacitance (CA) of 3.561 F cm−2 and a capacity (C) of 1.602 mAh/cm2 at a current density of 2.5 mA cm−2. Diverse oxidation states and cross-linked architecture of nanorods on the porous sponge-like background/skeleton provide abundant redox active sites with high conductivity for rapid ion/electrolyte ion transport. Furthermore, the ZCCFS//AC@NF hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device demonstrated a high CA of 117.5 mF cm−2 with 72 % retention over 10,000 cycles. This facile strategy explored novel ZCCFS@NF electroactive material, which paves a delighted path for the engineering of innovative, multi-component tri-metallic sulfides (TMS) for high-performance, next-generation HSCs. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd