Synthesis of Copper Phosphide Nanotube Arrays as Electrodes for Asymmetric Supercapacitors

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A copper(I) phosphide (Cu 3 P) nanostructure with tubelike morphology has been directly synthesized on copper foil via a two-step process of electro-oxidation and phosphidation. The microstructure and morphology of the Cu 3 P nanotube (NT) arrays are systematically examined with the measurements of a SEM, a TEM, XRD, and XPS. Electrochemical measurements manifest that the Cu 3 P NT exhibits excellent properties of a negative electrode of a supercapacitor. An optimized asymmetric supercapacitor with a negative electrode of Cu 3 P NT and a positive electrode of CNT has been fabricated that can deliver energy density of 44.6 Wh kg –1, power density of 17 kW kg –1, and stability test with over 81.9% of specific capacitance remaining after 5000 cycles; these features are valuable for prospective applications of Cu 3 P NT in systems for energy storage and conversion. This work paves the way to explore phosphide-based materials in a new class for supercapacitor applications.