Enhanced supercapacitor performance of NaCrSnNiCeO2 and NaCuFeNiCeO2 nanocomposites: a comparative study of electrode materials

Abstract

Recent advancements have focused on developing innovative and renewable technologies for energy production and storage. Batteries are regarded as an affordable, practical, and effective way to meet the growing needs for energy storage. Nanocomposite materials hold significant promise for both research and practical applications because of their superior performance, diverse composition, and structural benefits. NaCrSnNiCeO₂ and NaCuFeNiCeO₂ nanocomposites bring scientific innovation due to their peculiar structure, which incorporates cerium and multimetal synergy to enhance the electrochemical parameters. This research can pave the way for the use of these multimetal oxides as advanced electrode materials in energy storage systems by elucidating the effect of cation substitutions, such as Cu, Cr, Fe, and Sn, on their structure, conductivity, and redox activity. In particular, multi-component nanocomposites possess distinct features that make them beneficial for energy storage systems. In this work, NaCrSnNiCeO₂ and NaCuFeNiCeO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized via the sol–gel approach. The characterization of the prepared nanocomposites was done by employing FTIR, XRD, XPS, and SEM techniques, while the electrochemical performances of the prepared samples are analyzed by utilizing CV, GCD, and EIS techniques. The results clearly demonstrated that the NaCuFeNiCeO₂ nanocomposite was a better electrode material and exhibited higher specific capacity of 366.7 C g⁻¹, compared to the NaCrSnNiCeO₂ nanocomposite, 233.6 C g⁻¹. Employing advanced synthesis methods and extensive characterization, the paper demonstrates a specific capacitance and energy density that is higher than normal along with an increased cycling stability. Furthermore, a focus on economical and abundant feedstock and green chemistry in this research aims at formulating sustainable answers for next-generation energy storage technologies. This work is anticipated to become a significant milestone in improving charge storage capabilities, setting the foundation for the development of high-performance energy storage systems in the future.