Synthesis of dumbbell-shaped ZnO nanostructures for energy storage and photocatalytic dye degradation applications
C. Jayakrishnan, S.R. Sheeja, J. Duraimurugan, S. Prabhu, R. Ramesh, G. Suresh Kumar, K.G. Subhash, Mohd. Shkir, Mohan Reddy Pallavolu
Abstract
In this present work, a dumbbell-shaped ZnO nanostructure was successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method through optimized hydrothermal temperature (200°C). The XRD showed the formation of the hexagonal crystalline structure with high-phase purity. The FE-SEM images of ZnO prepared at a hydrothermal temperature of 200°C exhibits a well-defined, monodispersed dumbbell-shaped morphology. The chemical surface states were investigated using XPS. The prepared ZnO-based anode material was tested using a 1M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte with a three-electrode cell configuration. The ZnO 200°C electrode materials delivered a high specific capacitance of 316 F/g at 1 A/ and columbic efficiency of 96% and capacitance retention of 92% after 10,000 cycles at the current density of 10 A/g. Due to its inherent properties, the maximum degradation efficiency of 91% for 180 min was obtained from a dumbbell-shaped ZnO (200°C) sample. The ZnO nanostructured materials suggest potential applications for supercapacitors and textile wastewater treatments.