Molten Salt Synthesized MgNiO₂ Micro/Nano-Particles for High Energy Density Supercapacitor and Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Medium.

Abstract

In recent years, solid solutions have shown promising results as functional materials for different applications. These materials have tunable physiochemical properties and electronic properties, and are being intensively studied for next generation electrochemical charge storage as well as noble metal free low cost electrocatalyts. In the present work, Magnesium Nickel Oxide (MgNiO₂) solid solution is prepared by molten salt synthesis. MgNiO₂ particles having octahedron shaped morphology with size of 550 nm with an agglomerative behavior was observed through morphological studies. Raman studies revealed presence of three two-phonon modes as well as two one-phonon modes, which confirm the phase purity of MgNiO₂ sample. MgNiO₂ particles behaved as a promising supercapacitor candidate by exhibiting a large specific capacitance of 76 F/g. It also revealed electrochemical stability over an expansive potential range under the presence of 0.5 mol L^-1Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) electrolyte, having a high energy density of nearly 51 Wh/kg with a power density of nearly 825 w/kg. Further, MgNiO₂ particle showed improved electrocatalytic potential towards Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in 1 mol L^-1 Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) alkaline medium, by demonstrating an overpotential of 0.636 V with a Tafel slope of 0.22205 v/dec. Based on these observed promising results, it can be conclusively inferred that MgNiO₂ solid solution is a potential candidate for environmental friendly high voltage supercapacitor and HER electrocatalyst applications.