Tuning electrochemical performance with copper hexahydroxytriphenylene framework and nickel cobaltite anode for asymmetric supercapacitors

Two dimensional conductive metal organic frameworks (2D MOFs), a class of porous materials with high functionality and porosity, offer exceptional potential for energy stowing devices as they offer abundant active sites, expansive surface areas, and rapid ion transport. But, the strategic investigation of 2D MOFs for the innovative field of supercapacitors (SCs) using superior electric properties and electrochemical activity remains largely untapped. This study introduces a novel 2D conductive ultrathin copper-hexahydroxytriphenylene (Cu₃(HHTP)₂) film composite with nickel cobaltite (NiCo₂O₄) which was then applied on a nickel foam substrate to develop conductive electrode using a conventional coating method. The interrelated conductive frameworks exhibit a remarkable combination of low interior resistance, swift electrolyte ion diffusion, and rapid electron transfer. With a specific capacity of 1622 C/g, Cu₃(HHTP)₂/NiCo₂O₄ demonstrate exceptional electrochemical performance. The corresponding asymmetrical SCs with Cu₃(HHTP)₂/NiCo₂O₄ and activated carbon (AC) showed an energy density of 70.12 Wh/kg alongside 840 W/kg power density. Cu₃(HHTP)₂/NiCo₂O₄//AC also exhibits remarkable performance, with a specific capacity of 295 C/g at a current density of 1.3 A/g and a high capacity retention of 91 % after 7000 cycles.