Hierarchical structure of 1D spiky-like CoN-CNTs@PANI nanotubes supported on 2D Ti3C2Tx nanosheets for high-performance zinc-ion capacitors

Two-dimensional (2D) layered MXene (e.g., Ti3C2Tx) is a research focus for zinc-ion capacitors (ZICs) electrodes due to its large specific surface area and high conductivity. However, its practical use is constrained by two critical bottlenecks: low theoretical capacitance and severe interlayer stac...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 525; p. 169946
Main Authors: Wu, Wenling, Wang, Haiqiang, Wang, Puze, Cheng, Yang, Fang, Yuan, Guo, Jiang, Zhao, Ting, Zhu, Jianfeng
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2025
Subjects:
1D conductive channels
2D Ti3C2Tx
Electrochemical performance
Hierarchical structure
Zinc-ion capacitors
1D conductive channels
Electrochemical performance
2D Ti3C2Tx
Zinc-ion capacitors
Hierarchical structure
ISSN:1385-8947
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Two-dimensional (2D) layered MXene (e.g., Ti3C2Tx) is a research focus for zinc-ion capacitors (ZICs) electrodes due to its large specific surface area and high conductivity. However, its practical use is constrained by two critical bottlenecks: low theoretical capacitance and severe interlayer stacking, which directly reduce Zn2+ transport efficiency and electroactive site accessibility. Constructing hierarchical structures addresses this by providing efficient Zn2+ diffusion pathways, abundant electroactive sites, and excellent structural stability. This work prepared a 1D/2D hierarchical CoN-CNTs@PANI/Ti3C2Tx composite via in-situ polymerization and electrostatic self-assembly. First, 1D CoN-CNTs provide polyaniline (PANI) polymerization sites to suppress its volume expansion and to form conductive channels, while spiky PANI shells offer extra faradaic sites. Second, 1D CoN- CNTs@PANI nanotubes prevent the restacking of 2D Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, and the conductive framework of 2D Ti3C2Tx nanosheets further suppresses PANI volume change to enhance rate capability and cycling lifespan. Third, the 1D/2D structure leverages synergies to accelerate interfacial charge/ion transport and reaction kinetics, critical for high-power ZICs. As a result, the three-electrode tests showed the electrode delivered 861.7 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and retained 91 % capacitance after 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1. The assembled CoN-CNTs@PANI/Ti3C2Tx//Zn ZIC achieved 91.2 Wh kg−1 at 1600 W kg−1, with 86 % capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. This work establishes an advanced MXene-based hierarchical design strategy for high-performance ZIC electrodes. The 1D/2D hierarchical structure of CoN-CNTs@PANI/Ti3C2Tx has been developed as a cathode for zinc-ion capacitors, providing efficient Zn2+diffusion pathways, abundant electrochemically active sites, and exceptional structural stability, and exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance. [Display omitted] •1D/2D hierarchical structure engineered through electrostatic anchoring of 1D CoN-CNTs@PANI with 2D Ti3C2Tx.•1D spiky-like CoN-CNTs@PANI nanotubes serve as ionic buffer cells and facilitate electrolyte penetration.•1D/2D hierarchical structure of CoN-CNTs@PANI/Ti3C2Tx accelerates ion/charge kinetics via structural synergy.•The CoN-CNTs@PANI/Ti3C2Tx composite delivers excellent zinc storage performance with robust structural stability.
ISSN:1385-8947
DOI:10.1016/j.cej.2025.169946