Research

Engineering Sciences

Title :

Design and Fabrication of Mxene Based Nanocomposite Electrode for Solid State Supercapacitors Using 3D Printing Technology

Area of research :

Engineering Sciences

Principal Investigator :

Mr. K Prabakaran, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tamil Nadu

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

The depletion of fossil resources and environmental policy regulations necessitate the adoption of renewable and eco-friendly energy conversion systems, including electrochemical energy conversion systems. Supercapacitors (SCs) have gained attention due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and low environmental impact. Typically, supercapacitors are classified into EDLCs (carbon-based electrodes) and pseudocapacitors with high specific capacitance prepared using metal oxide/sulphides and conducting polymers. However, these have limited electronic conductivity and electrochemical stability. Since 2011, 2D transition metal carbides called MXenes (Mn+1XnTx) have gained significant attention in energy research due to their conductivity and charge storage capacity. MXenes are hydrophilic, making them easily dispersed in aqueous media and inks for electrode production using techniques like vacuum filtration, spin coating, screen printing, stamping, and spraying. Conventional electrode preparation methods like doctor blade, drop casting, spin coating, and screen printing limit large-scale manufacturing and on-chip integration, as well as difficulty in controlling device thickness and uniformity. 3D printing, a rapidly developing subsection of additive manufacturing technology, has been investigated comprehensively from materials and methods to applications and challenges. The main objective of this work is to synthesize MXene-based nanocomposites using hydrothermal and molten salt methods. The presence of nanostructures within MXene is expected to control re-stacking and enhance overall capacitance. The suitable MXene nanocomposites will be optimized through cyclic voltammetry, Galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The MXene/Nanocomposite will be coated on a flexible graphite substrate using 3D printing technology with PVA and PVDF-based gel as an electrolyte for a solid state supercapacitor.

Total Budget (INR):

25,76,780

Organizations involved