Nanostructured CuFe2O4 via urea tuning: A new avenue for energy storage

Nanostructured materials with precise morphology and tailored properties are at the forefront of next-generation electrochemical energy applications. In this study, CuFe₂O₄ (CFO) nanocubes have been successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal approach followed by post-annealing treatment, offering a novel route for high-performance electrode materials. The influence of systematically tuned urea concentrations on crystal structure, surface morphology, and electrochemical behavior has been investigated. Structural analysis confirmed a tetragonal phase, while TEM imaging revealed morphology-driven enhancements in surface area and porosity. The optimized CuFe₂O₄ nanocubes exhibited an exceptional specific capacitance of 372 F g⁻¹ at 0.66 A g⁻¹, along with remarkable cycling stability, retaining 98.5 % capacitance after 6000 cycles at 100 mV s⁻¹. Notably, for the first time, a CuFe₂O₄//AC asymmetric supercapacitor has been fabricated, achieving an impressive energy density of 30.55 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 161.01 W kg⁻¹. These findings highlight the immense potential of CuFe₂O₄ nanocubes as next-generation supercapacitor electrodes, paving the way for high-performance energy storage solutions.