Polyol-mediated synthesis of Ni (II) ferrite nanopowder with enhanced electrochemical performance for energy storage applications
摘要
Despite extensive research on ferrite-based electrode materials, the development of high-surface-area NiFe2O4 with enhanced electrochemical performance and long-term cycling stability remains a challenge. In this study, NiFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via the polyol method and systematically investigated for supercapacitor applications. Rietveld refinement confirmed the formation of a crystalline single-phase cubic spinel structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses verified the characteristic bonding and chemical states of Ni and Fe within the ferrite lattice. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) results revealed agglomerated spherical nanoparticles with uniform elemental distribution and a Ni/Fe ratio close to the theoretical composition. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 147.857 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.555 cm3/g, confirming its mesoporous architecture. Electrochemical studies demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 676 F/g (0.676 F/cm2) at 1 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH, along with excellent cycling stability, retaining 80.87% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis indicated low charge transfer resistance and efficient ion diffusion. A symmetric liquid-state supercapacitor device assembled using NiFe2O4 electrodes delivered a maximum energy density of 26.04 Wh/kg and a power density of 892.85 W/kg, while maintaining 17.85 Wh/kg at 9 mA/cm2. These findings demonstrate that NiFe2O4 is a promising electrode material for advanced energy storage applications.