Binary metallic sulphide-based nanocomposites with ZnO additives: A dual-functioning electrode material for energy storage and glucose sensing

In the contemporary age, there is a growing need for innovative energy storage solutions that integrate the crucial features of supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries to meet evolving energy requirements. Herein, we used the hydrothermal method to synthesize a binary composite electrode material. The addition of ZnO as a doping material significantly enhances the specific capacity of cobalt niobium sulphide (CoNbS) from 538.16 C g(-1) to 912.62 C g(-1) due to its high conductivity and the presence of redox-active sites. We have also developed a supercapattery (CoNbS@ZnO//activated carbon [AC]), which has demonstrated outstanding performance with a remarkable specific capacity of 325.92 C g(-1) at a current density of 1.5 A g(-1). Furthermore, the supercapattery device shows improved energy and power densities, measuring 35 Wh/kg and 2397 W/kg, respectively. After 5000 galvanostatic charging discharging (GCD) cycles, the device shows columbic efficiency (90%) and capacity retention (83%). Additionally, the CoNbS@ZnO//AC hybrid device is used as an electrochemical sensor for glucose detection. The device showed a high sensitivity against the glucose and detected up to a small value. The synthesis of nanomaterials opens up new opportunities to create high-performance energy related systems.