Fullerene trigged energy storage and photocatalytic ability of La2O3-ZnO@C60 core-shell nanocomposite

Fullerene (C60)-based carbon materials are attracting the attention of researchers because of their large surface area, three-dimensional structure, tunable architectures, and high chemical stability. In this study, the core-shell nanocomposite of lanthanum oxide (La2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO), and C60 was prepared via the solution method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the development of core-shell with La2O3-ZnO (core) and C60 (shell). The photodegradation test against methylene blue (MB) dye showed complete degradation after 40 min. The electrochemical performance of La2O3-ZnO@C60 exposed large pseudo-capacitance, reversible Faradic charge-storage mechanism, and outstanding cyclic stability (93 % retention after 1000th cycle) and exhibited superior specific capacitance of 2135 F/g at 0.05 A/g with a remarkable energy density of 47.44 Wh/ kg at the power density of 2.26 KW/kg. Thus, La2O3-ZnO@C60 displayed dual functions, such as energy storage materials for next-generation supercapacitor electrodes and an efficient photocatalyst.