Enhanced performance of MXene-based supercapacitor via new activated carbon-nafion composite cathode

Asymmetric supercapacitors leverage differences in the work functions of electrode materials to achieve an extended operating potential window and enhanced energy storage capacity. In this study, an asymmetric supercapacitor was developed using Ti3C2Tx MXene as the working electrode and a composite of activated carbon-nafion (AC-N) and activated carbon-polyvinylidene fluoride (AC-P) as the counter electrode. The work functions of MXene and AC-N were measured as 7.06 and 9.6 eV, respectively, enabling a potential window expansion to 2 V with the AC-N counter electrode. Electrochemical evaluations in H2SO4, MgSO4, and KOH electrolytes revealed specific capacitance values of 555, 367.5, and 425 F g-1 in, respectively. Additionally, corresponding power densities reached 1023, 999.86, and 1980.25 W kg- 1 , while energy densities were determined to be 81.2, 40.55, and 26 Wh kg- 1 . These findings highlight a straightforward strategy to enhance energy storage performance by leveraging the distinctive properties of MXene.