Experimental Research on ZnFe2O4@ZnCo2O4//AC@PANI Supercapacitor Energy Storage Devices for New Energy Vehicles Based on “Dual Carbon” Goals

Driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals, supercapacitors have become critical energy storage devices for new energy electric vehicles. In this paper, a ZnFe2O4@ZnCo2O4 core–shell cathode was prepared by a hydrothermal method followed by high-temperature annealing, and an AC@PANI composite anode was synthesized through in situ polymerization. The materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and electrochemical tests. The ZnFe2O4 rod-like core provides mechanical stability, whereas the ZnCo2O4 nanosheet shell increases the specific surface area and exposes more active sites. The cathode delivers 2133 F/g at 1 A/g with 94.4% retention after 10,000 cycles. The anode reaches 398 F/g at 1 A/g. The cathode delivers 2133 F/g at 1 A/g with 94.4% retention after 10,000 cycles. The anode reaches 398 F/g at 1 A/g. The assembled ZnFe2O4@ZnCo2O4//AC@PANI hybrid supercapacitor works in a wide voltage range of 0–1.6 V. It exhibits a specific capacitance of 157 F/g at 1 A/g and a high energy density of 54.7 Wh/kg at a power density of 1600 W/kg. The device retains 91.4% of its initial capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. This study offers a promising strategy for high-performance automotive supercapacitors.