Phosphorization Engineering on a MOF-Derived Metal Phosphide Heterostructure (Cu/Cu<sub>3</sub>P@NC) as an Electrode for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Nissar Hussain, Zahir Abbas, Shagufi Naz Ansari, G. Kedarnath, Shaikh M. Mobin
Abstract
A highly conductive and rationally constructed metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived metal phosphide with a carbonaceous nanostructure is a meticulous architecture toward the development of electrode materials for energy storage devices. Herein, we report a facile strategy to design and construct a new three-dimensional (3D) Cu-MOF via a solvent diffusion method at ambient temperature, which was authenticated by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, revealing a novel topology of (2,4,7)-connected three-nodal net named smm 4 . Nevertheless, the poor conductivity of pristine MOFs is a major bottleneck hindering their capacitance. To overcome this, we demonstrated an MOF-derived Cu 3 P/Cu@NC heterostructure via low-temperature phosphorization of Cu-MOF . The electronic and ionic diffusion kinetics in Cu 3 P/Cu@NC were improved due to the synergistic effects of the heterostructure. The as-prepared Cu 3 P/Cu@NC heterostructure electrode delivers a specific capacity of 540 C g –1 at 1 A g –1 with outstanding rate performance (190 C g –1 at 20 A g –1 ) and cycle stability (91% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles). Moreover, the assembled asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor (ASC) achieved a high energy density/power density of 45.5 Wh kg –1 /7.98 kW kg –1 with a wide operating voltage (1.6 V). Long-term stable capacity retention (87.2%) was accomplished after 5000 cycles. These robust electrochemical performances suggest that the Cu 3 P/Cu@NC heterostructure is a suitable electrode material for supercapacitor applications.