PrMnCo-Ti3C2 MXene nanocomposite-based supercapacitor for the optimization of electrochemical performance

The popularity of MXene has increased amongst researchers owing to its marvelous electrochemical properties. The current research work explores the synthesis of nanocomposites Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2) which is most suitable for supercapacitor applications. The sol–gel method was used to synthesize the spinel ferrite (Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4) and the etching method for Ti3C2 MXene’s. The final (Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2) nanocomposite was prepared using mechanical blending. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the enhancement of the crystallite size of the Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2 nanocomposite compared to the Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4, and Ti3C2. Field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) affirms the porous morphology that helps to enhance the electrochemical activity. The average crystallite size (D) Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4, Ti3C2, and Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2 samples which are found to be 38 nm, 15 nm, and 31 nm respectively. The XPS results Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2 composite affirms the presence of peaks viz. Ti 2p, Pr 3d, Mn 2p, Co 2p, Fe 2p, C 1s, O 1s. The electrochemical properties of the Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2 nanocomposite were found to be superior to those of Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4 and Ti3C2. The specific capacitances of the Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe1.98O4–Ti3C2, Ti3C2, and Pr0.02Mn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 electrodes 1310.54 F g−1, 1181.95 F g−1, and 947.81 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1. The nanocomposite showed good electrochemical performance and hence it is a promising material for supercapacitors.