Lanthanum-doped NiCoFe2O4 ferrite nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical investigation for hybrid supercapacitors

Abstract

Rare earth elements have gained considerable popularity in electronic devices as vital elements in electrical and dielectric materials. In this manuscript, NiCoFe₂O₄ nanocomposite was synthesized using the sol–gel method and doped with the rare earth element lanthanum (La) to improve the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties. First, the structural and morphological characteristics of NiCoFe₂O₄ and La@NiCoFe₂O₄ nanocomposite were measured. Three- and two-electrode setups were used to assess the electrochemical properties of La@NiCoFe₂O₄. At 1.5 A/g, the La@NiCoFe₂O₄ shows a very high specific capacity value of 1622.5 C/g. Next, a two-electrode configuration with a La@NiCoFe₂O₄ and an activated carbon (AC) was designed. With an impressive power density (PD) of 2207 W/kg, a remarkable energy density (ED) of 42.2 Wh/kg, and a specific capacity of 268.0 C/g, the resulting supercapattery device displays exceptional characteristics. Supercapacitor devices, in particular, demonstrate exceptional cycle stability, while the device as a whole has a high capacitive retention (CR) value of 89.0% after 5000 cycles. These results indicate that La@NiCoFe₂O₄ is a possible material for the design of future energy storage system electrodes due to its numerous desirable characteristics.