Effect of processing parameters on the electrochemical performance of graphene/ nickel ferrite (G-NF) nanocomposite

Fuel cells, secondary batteries and capacitors are among many promising energy storage devices. In particular, supercapacitors have attracted much attention because of their long life cycle and high power density. Graphene/nickel ferrite(G-NF) based supercapacitors were successfully fabricated through a one-step facile solvothermal route. Effects of synthesis conditions i.e. solvothermal time and temperature, on the powder particle characteristics were evaluated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) patterns were also recorded on the HRTEM microscope to determine the lattice and crystallinity of the nanocomposites. Structural and chemical studies proved that increasing the solvothermal duration and temperature leads to improved crystallinity of NiFe2O4phase as well as higher degree of reduction of graphene oxide to graphene. The electrochemical measurements showed that solvothermal conditions of 180°C and 10h produces the highest specific capacity of 312 and 196 F g-1 at current densities of 1 and 5 A g-1, respectively calculated from charge-discharge test. This G-NF electrode material, also showed a capacity of 105 F g-1 after 1500 cycles at current density of 10 A g-1 which makes it an outstanding supercapacitor material with promising long cycle electrochemical stability and performance.