Ionics最新文献

{"title":"Environmental and energy applications of green-synthesized semiconductor nanomaterials: from photocatalysis to smart sensors","authors":"Nguyen Hoc Thang,&nbsp;Nguyen Cao Hien","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06940-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06940-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Rapid growth in sustainable environmental technologies has the need for inorganic semiconductors synthesized through green, low-hazard routes that reduce chemical toxicity and energy consumption while maintaining high functional performance. This review provides a critical and quantitative assessment of bio-derived semiconductor nanomaterials applied in photocatalytic water treatment, solar energy conversion, low-temperature semiconductor-ionic fuel cells (SIFCs), and environmental sensing (air, soil). By synthesizing recant evidence on TiO₂, ZnO, Fe-oxides and emerging perovskite/chalcogenide systems produced via plant, microbial and algal extracts, highlighting how biogenic routes can yields compatitive photocatalytic rate constants (10^− 3-10^− 1 min^− 1), improved recyclability (≥ 5–10 cycles), and enhenced sensor response/recovery times relative to conventionally synthesized analogues. Mechanistic insights are consolidated to link precursor biochemistry-polyphenols, flavonoids, proteins, and polysaccharides, to defect engineering, surface passivation, charges-carrier dynamics and heterostructure formation. To address concerns raised across recent studies, the review evaluates repoducibility, precursor variability, impurity incorporation and crystallinity control, and integrates sustainability metrics including energy input, atom economy, waste generation, and available life-cycle impact data. We also identify emerging direction: (i) green-derived electrolytes and heterostructured SIFC components enabling high inonic conductivity and power densities at 350–550 °C and (ii) incorporation of AI/ML, IoT and adaptive sensor networks to optimize synthesis and enable real-time monitoring. Critical deployment barriers scalable manufacturing, standardized ecotoxicity testing, long-term operational stability, and regulatory readiness, are systematically discussed. Finally, we propose a forward roadmap for centered on standardizing bio-precursor characterization, implementing continuous/automated production platforms, building open databases for kinetic and toxicity data, and coupling AI-guided materials design with comprehensive lifetime and environmental assessments. By unifying green synthesis with advanced device architectures and digital process control, the field can accelerate the translation of sustainable semiconductors toward robust environmental and energy applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"2521 - 2556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An improved variable forgetting factor sliding window recursive least square-chaotic firefly optimization method for key dynamic parameters identification of lithium-ion batteries with hybrid electrochemical empirical and circuit modeling","authors":"Liangwei Cheng,&nbsp;Shunli Wang,&nbsp;Lei Zhou,&nbsp;Hongqiu Xie,&nbsp;Carlos Fernandez","doi":"10.1007/s11581-026-06982-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-026-06982-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The accuracy of parameter identification in lithium-ion battery models defines the upper limit of state estimation and is essential for life-cycle management. To overcome the limitations of conventional methods under wide temperature ranges and complex operating conditions, this study proposes a key dynamic parameters online identification approach combining a hybrid electrochemical empirical and circuit modeling with a variable forgetting factor sliding window recursive least squares-chaotic firefly algorithm. The method introduces dynamic weight adjustment and chaotic optimization to enhance convergence and stability. Experimental validation shows that, compared with the forgetting factor recursive least squares algorithm, the proposed method achieves higher accuracy across different temperatures and operating conditions. At -5℃, the mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error are reduced by 4.42%, 4.54%, and 4.56% under the Beijing Bus Dynamic Stress Test, and 2.11%, 2.33%, and 2.18% under the Dynamic Stress Test. At 35℃, the reductions reach 8.41%, 9.51%, and 8.51% under BBDST, and 0.68%, 1.18%, and 0.33% under DST. These results confirm the method’s robustness and its potential to support high-precision state estimation and reliable life-cycle management in electric vehicles and energy storage applications.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"2803 - 2821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hybrid physics AI enhanced PEM fuel cell modelling with real-time degradation and uncertainty quantification","authors":"Avinash Mahajan,&nbsp;Nischal Mungle,&nbsp;Archana Mungle,&nbsp;Rajesh Bodkhe","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06939-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06939-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) offer clean power genera-tion with high efficiency and low emissions. However, their large-scale use is limited by performance degradation, parameter uncertainty, and the difficulty of adapting traditional models to changing operating conditions. This study proposes a hybrid modelling framework that combines physics-based equations with an intelligent parameter adaptation layer and uncertainty analysis. The complete system is developed and tested in MATLAB/Simulink. The core physical model includes the Nernst potential, activation, ohmic, and concentration losses, as well as dynamic mass and heat balances. Degradation is represented through catalyst activity decay and membrane resistance growth, while uncertainty is assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. The hybrid framework improves predictive accuracy and operational robustness by adjusting key parameters online as conditions change. Compared with a conventional physics-only PEMFC model, the proposed approach reduces the root-mean-square prediction error by 65%. It also maintains stable performance when integrated into a hybrid renewable energy system. The results show that this framework is a reliable and adaptable tool for energy management, predictive maintenance, and real-time control of PEMFC applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"3083 - 3101"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unravelling solvation effects in DBSA-functionalised ZnO photoanodes for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitised solar cells","authors":"H. Sehina,&nbsp;A. Seema,&nbsp;P. Ram Kumar,&nbsp;T. Ajith Bosco Raj","doi":"10.1007/s11581-026-06971-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-026-06971-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The performance of ZnO-based dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) remains significantly limited by poor dye uptake, dye aggregation, and rapid recombination. Here, we demonstrate a solvation-assisted strategy using dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) to regulate the nucleation, dispersion and surface chemistry of ZnO during co-precipitation. Three DBSA-functionalised ZnO photoanodes (DZO1, DZO2, DZO3) were synthesised by varying the thermal treatment (RT, 150 °C, and 400 °C). XRD confirmed the wurtzite ZnO phase, with crystallite size increasing from 18 nm (DZO1) to 32 nm (DZO3). FTIR verified DBSA anchoring via sulfonate–Zn interactions and the modulation of surface hydroxyl groups. Optical analysis revealed a direct band gap reduction from 3.20 eV (DZO1) to 3.13 eV (DZO3), consistent with thermally induced crystallite growth. Dye-sensitised films showed a controlled bathochromic shift (527–533 nm) attributed to varying degrees of J-aggregation. DZO1 exhibited the lowest dye aggregation and moderate dye loading (0.86 nmol/mg), whereas DZO3 showed the highest dye loading (1.30 nmol/mg) but stronger aggregation. The DSSC device based on DZO1 delivered the highest experimental power conversion efficiency of 1.78%, with J_sc = 4.30 mA cm⁻² and FF = 0.714. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that DZO1 possessed the highest recombination resistance (R_rec = 196 Ω) and superior charge collection efficiency, despite its shorter electron lifetime compared to DZO3. The improved photovoltaic behaviour of DZO1 is attributed to solvation-controlled micelle formation, reduced nanoparticle agglomeration, and improved dye distribution. This study establishes solvation-driven DBSA functionalization as an effective route for optimising ZnO photoanodes. It highlights the importance of controlled surface chemistry and dye aggregation in improving charge transport within quasi-solid-state DSSCs.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"3279 - 3294"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insights into the differences in ionic conductivities of Na3PS4 solid electrolytes synthesized by Liquid-Phase and ball mill methods","authors":"Mohammed Hassan,&nbsp;Raheed Bolia,&nbsp;Dries De Sloovere,&nbsp;Jonas Mercken,&nbsp;Marlies Van Bael,&nbsp;An Hardy","doi":"10.1007/s11581-026-06961-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-026-06961-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study sheds more light on the reasons for the lower ionic conductivity of cubic Na₃PS₄ (NPS) synthesized via liquid phase (LP) compared to ball mill (BM) methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed distinct patterns for the NPS precursors obtained by the two methods. Raman spectroscopy was employed to track the evolution of NPS during the LP and BM processes. In both cases, the intermediate phase Na₄P₂S₆ was detected, but its conversion to Na₃PS₄ was significantly faster in the BM method. This disparity in conversion rates correlates with the observed differences in ionic conductivity and implies that the amount of the residual intermediate phase may contribute to this difference. TGA-FTIR analysis was performed on the LP-THF-synthesized precursor and revealed the presence of THF residues even at elevated temperatures. These findings may help clarify challenges limiting the improvement of LP as a reliable method for synthesizing thiophosphate-based solid electrolytes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"2899 - 2910"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solar-driven reduction of Cr(VI) via Co3O4/ZnO composite photocatalyst: experimental and first-principles insights","authors":"H. Lahmar,&nbsp;S. Kiamouche,&nbsp;M. Benamira,&nbsp;B. Boughrara,&nbsp;L. Messaadia,&nbsp;A. Bouhala,&nbsp;M. Trari","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06943-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06943-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This work is devoted to a novel Co₃O₄/ZnO hetero-junction prepared via a facile sol–gel route and evaluated for solar-driven photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Structural, surface analyses (XRD, XPS, SEM, BET, UV–Vis DRS) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) characterization confirm the formation of intimate <b><i>p-n</i></b> hetero- “Co₃O₄ / ZnO” nanostructures with enhanced visible-light absorption, and improved charge separation. The electronic structures of Co₃O₄ and ZnO were investigated using first-principles DFT + U simulations (CASTEP) combined with the optical spectroscopy. The calculated band gaps of Co₃O₄ (1.39 eV) and for ZnO (3.11 eV) show an excellent agreement with the experimental values (1.55 eV) and (3.15 eV) respectively, confirming the reliability of the DFT + U approach in describing the electronic behavior of both oxides. Under solar irradiation and at initial [Cr(VI)] = 30 mg L⁻¹, the optimized Co₃O₄/ZnO junction {mass ratio 1:1, pH ~ 4, T ~ 25 °C, [C₇H₆O₃] = 10^–5 mol/L, and a dose of 1 mg/mL} achieved a complete Cr(VI) removal within 150 min., with an apparent rate constant (<i>k</i>_<i>app</i>) of 0.012 min⁻¹ and a pseudo-first-order kinetic. Reusability tests over three cycles show minimal loss in activity (&lt; 5%) and negligible C_o leaching (≤ 1 mg L⁻¹), indicating a good stability. We propose that the established heterojunction promotes rapid electron transfer from the light-excited Co₃O₄ conduction band to ZnO, suppresses recombination, and enhances selective electron availability for the Cr(VI) reduction. This study highlights Co₃O₄/ZnO as an efficient, robust photocatalyst for the elimination of Cr(VI) under solar illumination.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"3161 - 3180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailoring closed pores and interlayer spacing by air oxidation cross-linking: high-performance hard carbon anodes for Sodium-Ion batteries","authors":"Hongming Dai,&nbsp;Li Xiao,&nbsp;Jianfeng Yang,&nbsp;Pengcheng Liu,&nbsp;Pan Tang,&nbsp;Jing Li,&nbsp;Sheqiang Niu","doi":"10.1007/s11581-026-06976-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-026-06976-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Asphalt represents an economical and high-carbon-yield starting material suitable for producing hard carbon (HC) anodes in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, a significant drawback of its direct pyrolysis is the formation of a densely packed graphitic architecture, which severely hinders the diffusion of Na⁺ ions. To address this, we propose an air oxidation cross-linking pretreatment to regulate the microstructural evolution during carbonization. By precisely controlling oxidation duration, varying concentrations of oxygen-containing functional groups were incorporated. This approach effectively suppressed the ordered alignment of carbon layers, resulting in a highly disordered turbostratic structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed the successful introduction of carboxyl groups (-COOH), with the 9-hour oxidized sample (OA-9) exhibiting the highest -COOH content. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the carbonized OA-9 product (HC-9) possesses an expanded interlayer spacing (d₀₀₂ = 3.78 Å) and an increased I_D/I_G ratio (1.95), indicating that -COOH incorporation inhibits graphitization and enhances structural disorder. Morphological studies further demonstrated a porous, short-range ordered architecture in the derived HC. Electrochemically, HC-9 delivers exceptional rate capability, attributable to abundant active sites from its high -COOH content, and outstanding cycling stability (99.20% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 C). A full-cell with HC-9 anode and Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode achieves 206.43 Wh kg^− 1 and maintains 94.94% capacity over 300 cycles at 2 C. This work elucidates the microstructural regulation of asphalt-derived HC via air oxidation cross-linking, providing both experimental evidence and mechanistic insights for synthesizing low-cost, high-performance SIB anodes.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"2883 - 2897"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the synthesis of porous carbon materials from carbonization of waste file bags and their supercapacitor performance","authors":"Guihong Fan,&nbsp;Hongge Jia,&nbsp;Jiakun Sun,&nbsp;Xinjia Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s11581-025-06953-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-025-06953-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The file folder is a crucial tool for safeguarding the physical integrity of archives. With the acceleration of the informatization process, traditional paper-based archives have been replaced by electronic ones, resulting in a large amount of archive bag waste and causing environmental pollution. This work takes this waste as the precursor, undergoes carbonization combined with KOH activation to prepare high-performance porous carbon materials, and systematically explores the influence of carbonization temperature on the morphology, pore structure and electrochemical performance of the materials. The results show that the FF-700 porous carbon prepared at a carbonization temperature of 700 °C has the best performance: electrochemical tests indicate that its specific capacitance reaches 340 F g^− 1 at a current density of 1 A g^− 1, and still maintains 258 F g^− 1 at 10 A g^− 1; after 10,000 cycles, the specific capacitance retention rate reaches 94.8%, demonstrating excellent cycle stability. In addition, when FF-700 is used as the electrode and assembled with MnO₂ to form an asymmetric supercapacitor, the energy density of the device reaches 32.7 Wh kg^− 1 at a current density of 1 A g^− 1 (corresponding to a power density of 800 W kg^− 1). In summary, this work provides a verifiable design concept and effective path for preparing high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials from paper-based waste, achieving the resource utilization and value enhancement of waste.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"3321 - 3334"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structural, electrochemical and electrical studies of CNT doped [CMC: NH4I] based plasticized nanocomposite gel polymer electrolytes for biocompatible electrochemical devices","authors":"Shubham Singh,&nbsp;C. P. Singh,&nbsp;P. K. Shukla,&nbsp;S. L. Agrawal","doi":"10.1007/s11581-026-06973-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-026-06973-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study reports the development of proton conducting nanocomposite gel polymer electrolyte (NCGPE) membranes based on ecofriendly biopolymer carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The membranes have been synthesized using solution cast method. Ethylene carbonate (EC) has been used as plasticizer, NH₄I as doping salt and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) as the nanofiller. The effect of different concentrations of CNT in the NCGPE polymer matrix has been analyzed for its structural, electrochemical and electrical properties. The characterization of the membranes has been carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectrophotometry, chronoamperometry, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The XRD studies reveal enhancement in the amorphous nature of membranes with increasing CNT concentration. IR studies reveal interactions between polymer chains, EC, salt, and CNTs. Chronoamperometry studies indicate that the conduction in the polymer matrix is mainly due to ions. Impedance spectroscopy analysis suggests enhanced conductivity and dielectric constant of NCGPE membranes with the incorporation of CNT. The highest conductivity at room temperature is found to be 8.75 × 10^− 3 Scm^− 1 for NCGPE membraned containing 0.8 wt % CNT. The charge carrier concentration, mobility and diffusion coefficient of ions has been evaluated, and the bulk ionic conductivity is found to correlate more closely with the variation in charge carrier concentration.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"2939 - 2958"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Easy synthesis and multifunctional analysis of ZnO, NiO, and ZnO/NiO nanomaterials for enhanced photoluminescence and supercapacitor performance","authors":"Raju Akumarti,&nbsp;Anusha Vangapandu,&nbsp;Manikya Rao Gattupalli,&nbsp;Ravi Kumar Budithi,&nbsp;Samatha. K.,&nbsp;Naresh Kumar Rotte","doi":"10.1007/s11581-026-06955-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11581-026-06955-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Nanostructured metal oxides, such as ZnO and NiO, are promising candidates for energy storage and optoelectronic devices; however, their individual limitations restrict their performance. In this work, ZnO, NiO, and a ZnO/NiO nanocomposite were synthesized through a cost-effective and straightforward co-precipitation route without the use of dopants or additives. The XRD, FESEM, and HRTEM were used extensively to evaluate the synthesized materials. This confirms the formation of highly crystalline ZnO and NiO phases with successful integration in the ZnO/NiO composite. Characteristic functional groups have been identified using FTIR spectroscopy. UV–vis absorption analysis revealed a reduced band gap in the composite (3.2 eV) compared to the pristine oxides, indicating improved electronic interaction. PL analysis reveals that ZnO exhibits near-band-edge emission at 397.7 nm, accompanied by visible blue (488.8 nm) and green (515.7 nm) defect-related bands. NiO presents emissions at 411.1 nm and 434.1 nm, arising from band-edge transitions and nickel vacancy states. The ZnO/NiO composite exhibits enhanced short-wavelength features and a new 438.5 nm peak associated with interface states. A dominant 603.4 nm emission confirms the presence of strong charge transfer and heterojunction-induced recombination pathways. The electrochemical performance, evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, demonstrated pseudocapacitive behavior for ZnO/NiO, achieving a specific capacitance of 269 F g⁻¹ at a scan rate of 10 mV/s. However, this value is lower than the maximum reported for pristine NiO at very low scan rates. This suggests that composites might offer a more balanced and practically viable electrochemical performance compared to individual oxides. These results highlight the synergistic effect of combining ZnO and NiO, delivering a scalable pathway for multifunctional materials in optoelectronic and energy storage applications.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":599,"journal":{"name":"Ionics","volume":"32 3","pages":"3335 - 3348"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147727338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}