Novel synthesis of cauliflower-like nanostructured ZnFe₂O₄ high-performance electrode for supercapattery applications

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, immense attention has been paid toward the rational design and synthesis of high-power density electrodes materials for high-power supercapattery applications. In the present work, ZnFe₂O₄ nanostructures with unique cauliflower-like morphology were deposited on a flexible nickel foam substrate using a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly electrodeposition method. The synthesized nanostructures were thoroughly examined by using structural, morphological, and electrochemical characterization techniques. Electrochemical studies of cauliflower-like nanostructured ZnFe₂O₄ electrode show a deviation from normal behavior and favored a mixed supercapacitor-battery-type nature. The value of specific capacity is obtained as 513 C g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 Ag⁻¹. The cauliflower-like nanostructured ZnFe₂O₄ electrode exhibits remarkable energy density and power density of 8.72 Wh kg⁻¹ and 306.25 W kg⁻¹ , respectively. Also, it shows long-term cyclic stability up to 5000 cycles with a maximum capacitance retention rate of 72%. These results signify that the high electrochemical performance and excellent stability of the cauliflower-like nanostructured ZnFe₂O₄ electrode material relate to their unique architecture, high energy, and power density for supercapattery devices.

KEYWORDS:

• Electrodeposition
• Cauliflower-like nanostructured ZnFe₂O₄
• Mixed behavior
• Supercapattery

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the DST for supporting Physics Department under the FIST Scheme. The authors also thank the Women Graduate’s Union for providing scholarship. The authors also thank the IITBNF-INUP for providing characterization facilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.