A binderless Ru:α-Fe2O3 binary nanocomposite electrode for supercapacitor applications

In this study, we developed a Ru:alpha-Fe2O3 thin film using a single-step SILAR approach, successfully lodging it on stainless steel (SS) substrates for use as an efficient electrode material in supercapacitors. Analytical characterizations, including XRD, FE-SEM, and AFM, confirmed the successful synthesis and crystallinity of the Ru:alpha-Fe2O3 nanocomposite, with FE-SEM revealing a compact, granular-like morphology. The fabricated Ru:alpha-Fe2O3 electrode exhibited a remarkable specific capacitance (Cs) of 744.9 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s in 1 M KOH electrolyte, along with superior energy density, power density, and efficiency of 84.2 Wh/kg, 0.8 kW/kg, and 56.3%, respectively. EIS results indicated lower internal resistance of 2.2 Omega, charge transfer, and diffusion resistances compared to other electrodes. This research highlights an economically viable and innovative method for producing binder-free, electrically conductive supercapacitor electrodes, making the Ru:alpha-Fe2O3 nanocomposite a promising candidate for future energy storage applications due to its facile preparation and exceptional supercapacitive features.