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Enhanced Energy Storage: A Carbon Paste Electrode Mechanochemically Fabricated with ZnO
* 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 1
1  Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, College of Computing, Science and Engineering, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Kaduna State University, P. M. B. 2339, Kaduna, Kaduna State, 234, Nigeria
2  Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Computing, North-Eastern University, P. M. B. 0198 Gombe, Gombe State, 234, Nigeria
3  Department of Engineering, Naval Institute of Technology, Sapele Urban VIII 331107, Delta, 234, Nigeria
4  Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, College of Computing, Science and Engineering, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Kaduna State University, P. M. B. 2339 Kaduna, Kaduna State, 234, Nigeria
Academic Editor: Alberto Jiménez Suárez

Abstract:

This study investigates the mechanochemical modification of graphite electrodes with zinc oxide (ZnO) to enhance their electrochemical performance, particularly in the anodic response to ferricyanide. The structural and morphological characteristics of the modified graphite were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM images revealed the smoothened surface morphology of the graphite post-ZnO incorporation, indicating an increase in surface area critical for electrochemical reactions. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of new compounds upon the mechanochemical synthesis of ZnO-modified graphite, suggesting the successful integration of ZnO into the graphite matrix. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated a significant enhancement in anodic response when ferricyanide was used as an electrolyte, with increased peak currents observed at elevated scan rates. Varying the scan rate allowed for the differentiation between diffusion-controlled and surface-controlled processes, providing insights into charge transfer mechanisms and the stability of the electrode material. Higher scan rates revealed surface-adsorbed species or fast electron transfer, while lower scan rates are more indicative of diffusion-limited processes. This helped in optimizing the electrode's performance for energy storage applications. These findings indicate that the mechanochemically modified ZnO-graphite electrode exhibits superior electrochemical properties compared to unmodified graphite, positioning it as a promising candidate for future electrical and battery applications. The results underscore the potential of mechanochemical methods in developing advanced materials for energy storage technologies.

Keywords: Mechanochemical method, Modification, graphite electrode, Anodic response, Fabrication
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