Octylamine Assisted Hydrothermal Growth of Silver Selenide Nanospheres as Efficient Electrode Material for Energy Storage Application

Abstract

This study explores the electrochemical storage potential of Ag₂Se nanosphere electrode material synthesized via a hydrothermal method, demonstrating their applicability in supercapacitors. Comprehensive structural, morphological, and optical analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy, confirming the formation of Ag₂Se nanospheres. Supercapacitive performance was assessed through cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a three-electrode configuration using KOH as the electrolyte. The Ag₂Se nanospheres exhibited high pseudocapacitive behavior, delivering a specific capacitance of 437.5 F/g, an energy density of 29.5 Wh/kg, and a power density of 89.32 W/kg, positioning them as effective energy storage materials. Notably, the nanospheres displayed remarkable cyclic stability, retaining 90% of their capacitance after 100 cycles, underscoring their durability for long-term applications. These findings suggest that Ag₂Se nanospheres offer a promising balance between high performance and cyclic stability, making them suitable candidates for advanced supercapacitor applications.