Cobalt- and nickel-modified zinc ferrites for energy storage applications

Abstract

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄) and its derivatives, zinc-nickel ferrite (Zn_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄), and zinc cobalt ferrite (Zn_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄) have garnered substantial attention as promising candidates for supercapacitor electrodes due to their exceptional combination of high electrical conductivity and chemical stability. This study presents the synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄, Zn_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄, and Zn_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles utilizing the co-precipitation technique, followed by a comprehensive characterization employing X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the nanoparticles was rigorously investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis, and dielectric spectroscopy. The obtained results confirmed the presence of a spinel crystal structure within the nanoparticles, underscoring their commendable electrochemical performance. Considering the combined outcomes, these findings strongly advocate for the potential applicability of ZnFe₂O₄, Zn_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄, and Zn_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles as promising supercapacitor electrodes. This investigation contributes to the expanding knowledge base regarding advanced electrode materials for energy storage applications and sets the stage for further in-depth exploration and optimization of these distinctive ferrite-based nanoparticulate systems.