Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Nanostructured ZnCr2O4 Materials Based on Carbon Fiber for Supercapacitors

Promising energy storage materials based on ZnCr2O4 spinel, synthesized on carbon fiber matrices, remain insufficiently studied in the context of their application in electrochemical supercapacitors. In the present study, the title materials have been synthesized by direct precipitation methods, sol–gel synthesis, and hydrothermal treatment followed by thermal processing. The main attention has been focused on the comprehensive investigation of the morphology, phase composition, and electrochemical characteristics of samples. The materials have been analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The samples obtained by the sol–gel method with high-temperature treatment under an argon atmosphere have demonstrated high phase purity of the spinel, well-developed porous structure, and maximum specific capacitance. Impedance studies have revealed low resistance values indicating efficient charge transfer. The research results confirm the high potential of ZnCr2O4/carbon materials for the development of efficient and durable supercapacitors of new generation.