With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the study of nanocomposites as electrode materials has significantly enhanced the scope of research towards energy storage applications. Exploring electrode materials with superior electrochemical properties is still a challenge for high-performance supercapacitors. In the present research article, we prepared a novel nanocomposite of tungsten trioxide nanoparticles grown over supported graphene oxide sheets and embedded with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) matrix to maximize its electrical double layer capacitance. The extensive characterization shows that the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) matrix was homogeneously dispersed throughout the surface of the tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)@tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide exhibits a higher specific capacitance of 478.3 F·g−1 at 10 mV·s−1 as compared to tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide (345.3 F·g−1). The retention capacity of 92.1% up to 5000 cycles at 0.1 A·g−1 shows that this ternary nanocomposite electrode also exhibits good cycling stability. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)@tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide energy density and power densities are observed to be 54.2 Wh·kg−1 and 971 W·kg−1. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)@tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide has been shown to be a superior anode material in supercapacitors because of the synergistic interaction of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) matrix and the tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide surface. These advantages reveal that the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)@tungsten trioxide–graphene oxide electrode can be a promising electroactive material for supercapacitor applications.
The purification of waste cooking oils (WCOs) through clay-based adsorption is an established recycling method, yet the relationship between clay composition and adsorption efficiency remains an area of active research. The aim of the present research work was to assess the performance of Maghnia bentonite in WCO decoloration and to gain information about the specific refining process. Thus, natural bentonite from the Maghnia region (Algeria) was investigated as an adsorbent for WCO refining for biolubricant production. The adsorption efficiency was evaluated under different conditions, achieving up to 70% decolorization at 10 wt% clay after 4 h of treatment. Structural characterization of the bentonite before and after adsorption was conducted using FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to assess compositional and morphological changes. FT-IR analysis confirmed the adsorption of organic compounds, XRD indicated minor alterations in interlayer spacing, and XRF revealed ion exchange mechanisms, including a reduction in sodium and magnesium and an increase in calcium and potassium. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, with desorption effects observed at prolonged contact times. The pHPZC of 8.3 suggested that bentonite adsorption efficiency is enhanced under acidic conditions. The high decoloration capacity of Maghnia bentonite, combined with the availability and the low cost of the material, suggests a possible industrial application of this material for WCO refinement, especially in lubricant production.