NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIAL OF CARBON NANODOTS-COPPER OXIDE (CNDS-CUO) FROM RAPHIA HOOKERI SEED (RHS) FOR INVESTIGATION OF ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE

The present work is aimed at exploring the synthesis and electrochemical capabilities of carbon nanodot-copper oxide (CND-CuO) nanocomposites prepared from Raphia hookeri seed biomass. Through hydrothermal carbonization, CNDs were prepared whereas CuO NPs were made solvothermally with RHS extract, acting as a reducing agent. Formation of composite was carried out by hydrothermal process. Phytochemical assays were known to be flavonoid, phenols, tannin, saponins, alkaloid, terpenoids, glycosides, and reducing sugars. The UV Vis spectra revealed the absorption maxima at 280 nm (CNDs), 301 nm (CuO) and at 288 nm (CND Cu O), which is an indication of the electronic interaction. Band gaps were 2.40, 2.29, and 2.32 eV. TEM disclosed the size of particles of 6.35, 21.0, and 14.2 nm whereas SEM depicted porous CuO and consistent composite micro morphology. OH, C=O, C-O and CuO groups were detected by FTIR, which confirmed the formation of composites. EDX analysis indicated Cu (54.66%), C (40.34%), and O (5.00%). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy displayed increased redox peaks and capacitance and cyclic voltammetry indicated decreased resistance to charge transfer. The stability of CuO was verified by thermogravimetric analysis. The CND-CuO nanocomposite exhibited electrochemical functionality, indicating that it could potentially be utilized across a wide range of energy storage applications.