Abstract
Ternary nanocomposites of polypyrrole (PPy) incorporated with cobalt oxide nanograin (Co3O4), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal methodology and further utilized in supercapattery as a positive electrode material. The synthesized ternary nanocomposites (Ag/Co3O4@PPy), as well as their counterparts (Co3O4@PPy and PPy), were analyzed by various analytical techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical characterizations such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies were performed using standard three electrodes cell system in potassium hydroxide (1 M KOH) electrolyte to evaluate the best performing electrode material. Electrochemical studies revealed that the ternary nanocomposites provided much higher specific capacity, low charge transfer and Warburg resistance compared to Co3O4@PPy and pure PPy. The best performing nanocomposite, (Ag/Co3O4@PPy) was used as a positive electrode material for the fabrication of supercapattery which delivered the highest energy density of 24.79 Wh kg−1 and a corresponding power density of 554.40 W kg−1 at a current density of 0.7 A g−1. Moreover, the supercapattery of ternary nanocomposites showed 153.67% of capacity retention even after 3000 cycles. Hence, the synthesized ternary nanocomposites have significant potential to be used in highly stable supercapattery.