# Innovative Trinuclear Copper(I)-Based Metal–Organic Framework: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Laser-Induced Graphene Supercapacitors

## TL;DR

A new copper-based material is created and used to improve supercapacitors, offering better energy storage and performance.

## Contribution

A novel trinuclear copper(I)-based MOF is synthesized and integrated into laser-induced graphene for enhanced supercapacitor performance.

## Key findings

- The Cu3(NDI)3 MOF was successfully synthesized and characterized as a highly crystalline, porous material.
- The LIG–MOF hybrid electrode achieved a specific capacitance of 4.6 mF cm−2 and an areal energy density of 60.03 μWh cm−2.
- The hybrid material outperformed both LIG and MOF–LIG configurations due to synergistic interactions between components.

## Abstract

Optimizing efficient electrode materials that combine high energy density, rapid charge transport, and excellent cycling stability remains a challenge for advanced supercapacitors. Here, we report the synthesis of an innovative copper(I)-based metal–organic framework (MOF), Cu3(NDI)3, prepared via a simple solvothermal method using N,N’-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-4-yl)-naphthalene diimide (H2NDI-H) as a linker. Structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and BET) confirmed the formation of a highly crystalline, porous MOF. Integration of this MOF into laser-induced graphene (LIG) matrices yielded hybrid electrodes with enhanced structural characteristics and electrochemical activity, compared to its only-LIG counterpart. Electrochemical studies (CV, CD, EIS) revealed that the LIG–MOF electrode exhibited the highest performance, delivering a specific capacitance of 4.6 mF cm−2 at 0.05 mA cm−2, and an areal energy density of 60.03 μWh cm−2 at a power density of 1292.17 μW cm−2, outperforming both LIG and MOF–LIG configurations. This enhancement arises from the synergetic interaction between the conductive LIG network and the redox-active Cu3(NDI)3 framework, highlighting the potential of LIG–MOF hybrids as next-generation materials for high-performance supercapacitors.