Solvothermal Synthesis of Quaternary Cu-Fe-Bi-S Nanostructure as a Promising Electrode Material for OER and Supercapacitor Performance

Abstract

The rational development and synthesis of renewable nanostructured materials hold significant importance within the realm of energy storage applications. In this study, the quaternary chalcogenide of Cu₂FeBiS₄ was fabricated using a facile solvothermal method and evaluated for its performance in Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Supercapacitor applications. The material underwent characterization employing various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman analysis. Cu₂FeBiS₄ demonstrates an improved super-capacitive performance, exhibiting an outstanding specific capacity (Cs) of 1530 F g^–1 at 2 A g^–1. The admirable electrochemical activity is mainly due to the synergistic effect of mixed metal sulfide nanostructure that can escalate the rapid diffusion of ions and electrons, which is beneficial to the electrode/electrolyte contact area, thereby boosting the rate of charge transfer. Additionally, Cu₂FeBiS₄ exhibits a commendable energy density of 43.17 Wh kg^− 1 at a power density of 327.87 W kg^− 1, accompanied by a retention rate of 96.2% after 1000 cycles. As a result, the Cu₂FeBiS₄ electrode developed in this study is evinced to be a promising electrode material for high-performance energy storage devices. Moreover, Cu₂FeBiS₄ demonstrates proficient electrocatalytic properties for the oxygen evolution reaction, displaying a minimal overpotential of 202 mV versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 10 mA cm^− 2 and exhibiting operational stability for up to 10 hours.