Fullerene trigged energy storage and photocatalytic ability of La₂O₃-ZnO@C₆₀ core-shell nanocomposite

Fullerene (C₆₀)-based carbon materials are attracting the attention of researchers because of their large surface area, three-dimensional structure, tunable architectures, and high chemical stability. In this study, the core–shell nanocomposite of lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃), zinc oxide (ZnO), and C₆₀ was prepared via the solution method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the development of core–shell with La₂O₃-ZnO (core) and C₆₀ (shell). The photodegradation test against methylene blue (MB) dye showed complete degradation after 40 min. The electrochemical performance of La₂O₃-ZnO@C₆₀ exposed large pseudo-capacitance, reversible Faradic charge-storage mechanism, and outstanding cyclic stability (93 % retention after 1000th cycle) and exhibited superior specific capacitance of 2135 F/g at 0.05 A/g with a remarkable energy density of 47.44 Wh/kg at the power density of 2.26 KW/kg. Thus, La₂O₃-ZnO@C₆₀ displayed dual functions, such as energy storage materials for next-generation supercapacitor electrodes and an efficient photocatalyst.