Zn-MOF electrode material for supercapacitor applications

A Zn-based metal–organic framework (Zn-MOF) was synthesized by a novel electrodeposition method. The prepared Zn-MOF was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. The supercapacitive behavior of synthesized MOF was examined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements in 3 M KOH. SEM images confirmed that Zn-MOF is composed of layered cuboid structure properly attached on to nickel foam substrate. Electrochemical behaviors of the Zn-MOF/Ni foam were also evaluated through GCD tests, which showed high specific capacitance of 288 F g–1 at the current density of 2 A g–1. The outcomes showed great potential of fabricated Zn-MOF as a high-performance electrode material for electrochemical supercapacitors.