Novel three-dimensional architectured ZnMgAl ternary layered double hydroxide@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as electrode material for high-performance supercapacitor

Ternary layered double hydroxides (LDH) have recently attracted immense attention owing to their stupendous features, such as fine compositional tuning, multiple valence states, and superior electrochemical activity. Moreover, their intriguing structures and distinctive physiochemical properties delineate them as an exemplary material to serve as electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors (SCs). The present work reports the in-situ synthesis of Zinc Magnesium Aluminium LDH (ZMA) integrated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through a single-step hydrothermal approach. The resulting novel ternary ZMA@rGO nanocomposite (ZMAG) possesses a unique architecture incorporating hierarchical 3D nanoflowers of ZMA embedded on graphene nanosheets. The porous morphology of LDH improves interfacial charge transport, which results in more faradaic reactions at the electrochemically active sites. In addition, the conductive graphene nanosheets render a high specific surface area, endowing excellent capacitive behavior. The amalgamated electrochemical properties of ZMA and rGO develop a competent electrode material (ZMAG) for SCs. The ZMAG2 nanocomposite having ZMA and rGO in 1:1, evinces a specific capacitance (Cs) of 656.7 F/g at a current density (Id) of 1 A/g. Furthermore, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) features admirable cycle stability (retains 89% of initial capacitance after 15,000 charge/discharge cycles). Herein, the real-time application of ZMA@rGO//AC ASC has also been demonstrated. Therefore, hierarchical porous nanostructure proclaims new prospects for fabricating proficient electrode materials for energy storage devices.