Ultrasound-assisted electrodeposition of NiCo2O4-Bi2O3/CNTs on 3D-printed conductive scaffolds for high-energy flexible supercapacitors

Huaxing Li; Chunyang Ma; Fafeng Xia; Ruida Li

doi:10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107460

Ultrasound-assisted electrodeposition of NiCo₂O₄-Bi₂O₃/CNTs on 3D-printed conductive scaffolds for high-energy flexible supercapacitors

Ultrason Sonochem. 2025 Jul 8:120:107460. doi: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107460. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Huaxing Li¹, Chunyang Ma², Fafeng Xia³, Ruida Li⁴

Affiliations

¹ College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; College of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China.
² College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address: chunyangandma1@163.com.
³ College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China. Electronic address: xiaff507@163.com.
⁴ College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.

PMID: 40645118
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107460

Abstract

Energy storage materials face critical challenges in terms of performance and fabrication scalability, highlighting the need for efficient processing methods and improved electrochemical properties. To address these challenges, this study employed a drop-casting technique to fabricate Bi₂O₃/CNT composite films on 3D-printed substrates, followed by the electrodeposition of NiCo₂O₄ using various deposition methods. The study systematically compared Constant Potential Electrodeposition (CPE), Pulse Electrodeposition (PE), and Disordered Ultrasonic Deposition (DUD) to evaluate their effects on electrode performance. The ultrasonic field employed in the DUD method generated microstreaming and cavitation effects, promoting the nucleation and uniform dispersion of NiCo₂O₄ and effectively reducing Bi₂O₃ agglomeration on the CNT substrate. SEM and TEM analyses demonstrated that the DUD method facilitated a more uniform distribution of Bi₂O₃-NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles on the CNT surface, resulting in a larger surface area and improved electron conductivity compared to CPE and PE methods. XPS analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Bi and Ni elements along with their respective oxidation states, while DFT calculations supported the enhanced electrochemical activity of the electrodes fabricated via the DUD method. Electrochemical evaluations further revealed that the DUD-fabricated electrodes exhibited a high specific capacitance of 2762.3F·g^-1, significantly outperforming those prepared using CPE and PE techniques. Moreover, the DUD-fabricated electrodes demonstrated excellent cycling stability, retaining 90.5 % of their initial capacitance after 15,000 cycles at 10 A·g^-1, with a coulombic efficiency of 93.3 %. The electrochemical performance of the Bi₂O₃-NiCo₂O₄/CNT//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was also evaluated. The ASC showed a high energy density of 109.7 Wh·kg^-1 at a power density of 450 W·kg^-1 and maintained 92.3 % of its original capacitance after 15,000 cycles at 1 A·g^-1, highlighting its excellent long-term stability.

Keywords: 3D-printed; Disordered ultrasonic deposition; Electrochemical performance; Energy density; NiCo(2)O(4)-Bi(2)O(3)/CNTs.