Ti3C2Tx MXene@rGO composite electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor applications

The depletion of fossil fuels and the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions necessitate advanced materials for energy storage. This study addresses the challenge of improving supercapacitor performance by developing a hybrid composite of Ti3C2Tx MXene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The integrating rGO as a conductive bridge impacts the structural stability and electrochemical properties of Ti3C2Tx. Ti3C2Tx MXene was synthesized from Ti3AlC2 MAX phase via selective etching of aluminum, followed by mixing with rGO in ethanol at varying ratios to prepare Ti3C2Tx@rGO composites. The incorporation of rGO minimizes volumetric strain during charge-discharge cycles and enhances conductivity by serving as a nanoscale current collector. Characterization using SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, BET, and XRD confirmed the successful formation of the composite with improved structural integrity. Electrochemical tests, including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, demonstrated a substantial enhancement in specific capacitance. Notably, the (Ti3C2Tx)90(rGO)10 composition achieved a capacitance of 357 Fg-1 at 1 Ag-1, compared to 220 Fg-1 for pristine Ti3C2Tx. This study highlights the uniqueness of leveraging rGO as a conductive bridge to improve MXene-based supercapacitors, providing a promising pathway for next-generation energy storage solutions with enhanced performance and durability.