Fabrication and characterization of MXene/CuCr₂O₄ nanocomposite for diverse energy applications

This work comprises facile synthesis of MXene/CuCr₂O₄ nanocomposite using co-precipitation method for studying unique and significant energy storage properties by triggering world to design and fabricate nano-electrode material with maximized specific capacitance, conductivity and stability. Average crystallite size were found to be 21.2 nm, 28.5 nm and 8.7 nm for CuCr₂O₄, Ti₃C₂T_x and Ti₃C₂T_x/CuCr₂O₄ nanocomposites whereas sandwich like morphology with an average grain size of 1.53 nm is evident from SEM micrographs. Further analysis by Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveals elemental distribution with complete aluminum removal showing MXene successful etching. Raman spectra confirms presence of both D and G band whereas PL spectra showing merged peak at 376 nm due to structural distortions. From FTIR spectra, presence of both copper chromite and MXene within nanocomposite is evident. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed decrease in bandgap value from 2.06 eV to 1.56 eV whereas zeta potential value of −13.8 mV for Ti₃C₂T_x/CuCr₂O₄ as compared to Ti₃C₂T_x zeta potential value of −23 mV confirmed nanocomposite stability. Nanocomposite based nano-electrode material shows maximum specific capacitance of 445.5 Fg^-1 in acidic electrolyte (0.1M H₂SO₄) comparable to basic electrolyte possessing maximum stability over 500 cycles with no further decrease in current. This progress report acts as a reference and a scientific inspiration to design and fabricate Ti₃C₂T_x/CuCr₂O₄ nanocomposite based nano-electrode material to overcome increasing demand for next-generation energy storage systems.