Multifunctional CuFeO2 nanocomposites: 3D series-metal-based materials for hydrogen evolution reaction and supercapacitor applications

The dual quest for efficient high performance supercapacitor and hydrogen evolution demands the improvement of emerging multifunctional nanocomposite materials. In this study, a modified preparation of 3d series-metal-based (M = Cu, Fe) CuFeO₂ nanocomposites materials performed through hydrothermal approach depicting urea as a chelating agent. The prepared nanocomposites were comprehensively confirmed, with X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) predicting the successful preparation of delafossite structure in CuFeO₂ composite and scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrating spherical interconnected morphology. The electrochemical performance of nanocomposite materials depicted the exceptional excellence of CuFeO₂, showcasing a specific capacitance value of about 978.05 F/g at 10 mV/s, exceeding that of pure Cu₂O (807.03 F/g) and Fe₂O₃ (898.12 F/g) materials. The energy densities of prepared composited assessed 54.92 Wh/kg, 61.12 Wh/kg, and 66.56 Wh/kg, respectively. Interestingly, CuFeO₂ showed superior cyclic stability, sustaining 91 % of its columbic efficiency after 3000th cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) performance additional underlined improved conductivity and ion mobility in CuFeO₂ composite, predicting its exceptional electrochemical excellence. Beyond supercapacitor applications, CuFeO₂ was assessed as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction, demonstrating promising activity. The outcomes revealed a significant improvement in the excellence of the synthesized electrode nanocomposites for hydrogen evolution reaction, depicting an onset potential of 0.09 V, a reduced over potential of 69 mV at a current density of 10 mAcm⁻², and a Tafel slope of 47.2 mVdec⁻¹ in 2.0 M KOH. This work provides a framework for the development of versatile materials combining superior supercaapcitor capabilities and catalytic efficiency.