Development of N-doped rGO/spinel nanohybrid for supercapacitor application

The use of fossil fuels and the consequent damage to the environment are two of the most pressing problems facing the globe today. As non-renewable resources continue to dwindle, the importance of green energy generation and storage is growing. In order to store energy effectively, especially for renewable sources, a reliable energy storage system needs to be developed. In this study, CoCr₂O₄ (CCO) and N-rGO/CCO were fabricated employing a hydrothermal approach. The electrochemical performance of CCO and N-rGO/CCO was assessed by GCD at 1 A g^-1, CCO and N-rGO/CCO nanohybrid displayed specific capacitances (C_s) of 497.6 and 1062.25 F g^-1, respectively. The structural defects and uniform anchoring of CCO nanoparticle on N-rGO nanosheets result in the improved electrochemical perfomance and C_s of the N-rGO/CCO nanohybrid being consistently superior than CCO across all current densities. Furthermore, in two-electrode systems exhibit C_s of 225.72 F g^-1 with P_d (880 W kg^-1), confirming the symmetric behaviour of N-rGO/CCO. In a 2-electrode setup, N-rGO/CCO demonstrate outstanding supercapacitive performance. This is due to the unique characteristics of N-rGO, which provide a flexible and scalable framework for the growth of CCO nanoparticles. Moreover, N-rGO/CCO nanohybrid has substantial potential to be used for supercapacitor electrode material, offering greater E_d (6.06 Wh kg^-1). Electrochemical investigations indicates that N-rGO improves CCO stability by enhancing C_s through an extended discharge lifespan. N-rGO nanosheets within the nanohybrid enhance electron flow by acting as a conductive substrate. As a result, the N-rGO/CCO is an outstanding material for electrodes in supercapacitors and various energy storing devices.