Cation distribution and magnetic analysis of wideband microwave absorptive CoxNi1−xFe2O4 ferrites

Co_xNi_1−xFe₂O₄ ferrites (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) were prepared by a sol-gel auto-combustion method. The samples were structurally characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD patterns confirmed single phase formation of spinel structure. Cation distribution estimated from XRD data suggested the mixed spinel structure of ferrite. The EDX analysis was in good agreement with the nominal composition. The results of FTIR analysis indicated that the functional groups of Co-Ni spinel ferrite were formed during the combustion process. According to FE-SEM micrographs, by addition of cobalt ion the average particle size of substituted nickel ferrite was gradually became smaller from 450 nm to 280 nm. Magnetic measurement using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) showed an increase in saturation magnetization and coercivity by Co²⁺ substitution in nickel ferrite. For Co_0.8Ni_0.2Fe₂O₄ sample, M_s and H_c reaches as high as 93 emu/g and 420 Oe, respectively. The reflection loss properties of the nanocomposites were investigated in the frequency range of 8–12 GHz, using vector network analyzer (VNA). Cobalt substitution could enhance reflection loss of NiFe₂O₄ ferrite. The maximum reflection loss value of the Co²⁺ substituted Ni ferrite was ~ −26 dB (i.e. over 99% absorption) at 9.7 GHz with bandwidth of 4 GHz (RL<– 10 dB) through the entire frequency range of X-band.     

Effect of Ni2+ substitution on structural,magnetic, dielectric and optical properties of mixed spinel CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ with x=0.0, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The structural analysis reveals the formation of single phase cubic spinel structure with a narrow size distribution between 13–17 nm. Transmission electron microscope images are in agreement with size of nanoparticles calculated from XRD. The field emission scanning electron microscope images confirmed the presence of nano-sized grains with porous morphology. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of Fe²⁺ ions with Fe³⁺. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed the strong influence of Ni²⁺ doping on saturation magnetization and coercivity. The saturation magnetization decreases from 91 emu/gm to 44 emu/gm for x=0.0–0.50 samples. Lower magnetic moment of Ni²⁺ (2 µ_B) ions in comparison to that of Co²⁺ (3 µ_B) ions is responsible for this reduction. Similarly, overall coercivity decreased from 1010 Oe to 832 Oe for x=0.0–0.50 samples and depends on crystallite size. Cation distribution has been proposed from XRD analysis and magnetization data. Electron spin resonance spectra suggested the dominancy of superexchange interactions in Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ samples. The optical analysis indicates that Co_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ is an indirect band gap material and band gap increases with increasing Ni²⁺ concentration. Dispersion behavior with increasing frequency is observed for both dielectric constant and loss tangent. The conduction process predominantly takes place through grain boundary volume. Grain boundary resistance increases with Ni²⁺ ion concentration.     

Enhancement of magnetic properties of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles prepared by the co-precipitation method

Nano crystalline Ni–Zn ferrites of composition Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄have been prepared by a chemical co-precipitation method. The powdered samples were sintered at a temperature of 800 °C and 900 °C for three hours. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy were used to study their structural and morphological changes. The enhanced magnetic properties were investigated by using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The saturation magnetization was found to increase from 73.88 to 89.50 emu/g as a function of sintering temperature making this material useful for high frequency applications. Electromagnetic studies showed sustained values of permittivity up to 1 GHz. These results have been explained on the basis of various models and theories.     

Electrochemical characteristics of LiNi0.5Co0.5O2 synthesized at 800 °C from the different combinations of carbonates,oxides, and hydroxides

LiNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ cathode materials were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method at 800 °C using Li₂CO₃, LiOH·H₂O; NiO, NiCO₃; CoCO₃, or Co₃O₄ as the sources of Li, Ni, and Co, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized samples were then investigated. The structure of the synthesized LiNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ was analyzed, and the microstructures of the samples were observed. The curves of voltage vs. x in Li_xNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ for first charge–discharge and intercalated and deintercalated Li quantity Δx were studied. Destruction of unstable 3b sites and phase transitions were discussed from the first and second charge–discharge curves of voltage vs. x in Li_xNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂. The LiNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ sample synthesized from Li₂CO₃, NiCO₃ and Co₃O₄ has the largest first discharge capacity (142 mAh/g). The LiNi_0.5Co_0.5O₂ sample synthesized from Li₂CO₃, NiO and Co₃O₄ has a relatively large first discharge capacity (141 mAh/g) and the smallest capacity deterioration rate (4.6 mAh/g/cycle).     

ZrxCo0.8−xNi0.2−xFe2O4-graphene nanocomposite for enhanced structural,dielectric and visible light photocatalytic applications

Zirconium doped nickel cobalt ferrite (Zr_xCo_0.8−xNi_0.2−xFe₂O₄) nanoparticles and Zr_xCo_0.8−xNi_0.2−xFe₂O₄-graphene nanocomposites were synthesized by a cheap and facile co-precipitation method. Annealing was done at 750 °C for 6.5 h. Spinel cubic structure of prepared nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) technique. Crystalline size of nanoparticles was observed in the range of 18–27 nm. Graphene was synthesized by Hummer's method. Formation of rGO was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and XRD. Zr_xCo_0.8−xNi_0.2−xFe₂O₄-graphene nanocomposites were prepared by ultra-sonication route. Grain size of nanoparticles and dispersion of nanoparticles between rGO layers was determined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In application studies of nanoparticles and their nanocomposites, photocatalytic efficiency of nanoparticles under visible light irradiation was observed by degradation of methylene blue. Charge transfer resistance was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the variation in dc electrical resistivity was analyzed by room temperature current voltage characteristics (I-V). Dielectric constant was also evaluated in frequency range from 1 MHz to 3 GHz. All these investigations confirmed the possible utilization of these materials for a variety of applications such as visible light photocatalysis, high frequency devices fabrication etc.     

Polyaniline (PANI)–Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite: Synthesis,characterization and magnetic properties evaluation

Polyaniline (PANI)/Cobalt-manganese ferrite, (PANI)/Co_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄, nanocomposite was synthesized by oxidative chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS). Microwave assisted synthesis method was used for the fabrication of core CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The structural, morphological, thermal and magnetic properties of the nanocomposite were investigated in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The average crystallite size of (PANI)/Co_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocomposite by the line profile method was 20±9 nm. The magnetization measurements revealed that (PANI)/Co_0.5Mn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocomposite has superparamagnetic behavior with blocking temperature higher than 300 K. The saturation magnetization of the composite is considerably low compared to that of CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles due to the partial replacement of Co²⁺ ions and surface spin disorder. As temperature decreases, both coercivity and strength of antiferromagnetic interactions increase which results in unsaturated magnetization of the nanocomposite.     

Effect of niobium doping on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Key issues including poor rate capability and limited cycle life span should be addressed for the extended application of LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ cathode. The suppressed Li⁺/Ni²⁺ site exchange, enlarged LiO₂ inter-slab space and reduced impedance, which could facilitate the structure stability, were achieved by controlled Niobium (Nb) doping and contributed to enhanced performance even at elevated temperature (55 °C). The detailed role of the doped Nb was investigated thoroughly and systematically with the help of XRD, SEM, XPS and related electrochemical tests. The full and accurate results demonstrate that the Li(Ni_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3)_0.99Nb_0.01O₂ sample with appropriate Nb doping amount possess high capacity retention of 93.77% after 100 cycles at 1.0 C and improved rate performance with 125.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 5.0 C, which are much better than that of the LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂. Moreover, at high temperature of 55 °C, Nb doping shows more remarkable effect on stabilizing the structure and 88.63% of the initial reversible capacity could be retained, which is ~20% higher than the LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂. This study intensively determines that controlled Nb doping could be effectively maintain the structure stability of advanced LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ cathode and promote the development of high energy density lithium ion batteries.     

Partial oxidation of methane in BaCe0.1Co0.4Fe0.5O3−δ membrane reactor

A new perovskite material, BaCe_0.1Co_0.4Fe_0.5O_3?δ used as dense oxygen permeable membrane for partial oxidation of methane (POM) reaction was investigated. In order to improve the synergetic effects between membrane and catalyst, LiLaNiO/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst was directly packed onto the surface of the membrane to carry out POM. In BaCe_0.1Co_0.4Fe_0.5O_3?δ membrane reactor, high oxygen permeation flux, high CH₄ conversion and CO selectivity were obtained. At 950 °C, oxygen flux of 9.5 ml cm^?2 min^?1, CH₄ conversion of 99% and CO selectivity of 93% were achieved with a membrane thickness of 1.0 mm. There was an induction process at the initial stage of POM, which was related to the reduction of NiO to Ni⁰ in LiLaNiO/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst. Experiments illustrated that higher reaction temperature would shorten the induction time. During continuously operating for 1000 h at 875 °C, no degradation of performance of the membrane reaction was observed. SEM characterization also demonstrated that the membrane disc maintained an integral structure without any cracks after long-term operation.     

Preparation and characterization of Co2+ substituted Li–Dy ferrite ceramics

Stoichiometric compositions of ferrites with the chemical formula Li_0.5?0.5xCo_xFe_2.4?0.5xDy_0.1O₄ with x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 were prepared by the standard double sintering ceramic method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the cubic spinel structure of the prepared samples. The structural, morphological and magnetic properties were studied by X-ray diffraction, infra-red spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and ac susceptibility measurements. Lattice constant, grain size and density increase whereas porosity decreases with the increase in Co²⁺ substitution. IR measurements show the characteristic ferrite bands. Spectral absorption bands were observed in IR spectroscopic analysis at ν₁=564?601 cm^?1, ν₂=486?519 cm^?1 and ν₃=551?578 cm^?1. The cation distribution estimated by the X-ray diffraction is supported by magnetization and susceptibility studies. The saturation magnetization decreases from 44.25 to 17.14 emu/g whereas coercivity remarkably increases from 240.69 to 812.14 emu/g with increasing Co²⁺ substitution. The mechanisms involved are discussed.     

Magnetoelectric effect of Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4/Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6 composites

Novel magnetoelectric composites were prepared by incorporating the dispersed Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄ ferromagnetic particles into Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Nb₂O₆ relaxor ferroelectric matrix. Dense composite ceramics were obtained with the co-presence of Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Nb₂O₆ and Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄, and they could be electrically and magnetically poled to exhibit a significant magnetoelectric effect. A maximum magnetoelectric voltage coefficient of 26.6 mV/cm/Oe was observed from the composites with 70 mol% Sr_0.5Ba_0.5Nb₂O₆, which was much greater than that of magnetoelectric compounds and solid solutions. It is convenient to use the Pb-free (Sr,Ba)Nb₂O₆ relaxor as the matrix for ferromagnetic/ferroelectric composites in the future development of magnetoelectric materials.     

Preparation of multiferroic composites of BaTiO3–Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ceramics

Magneto-electric coupling in ceramic composites formed by ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases can be obtained via an adequate mechanical coupling between the individual piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases (product property). In the present work, the possibility of forming diphase ferroelectric–ferromagnetic ceramics has been investigated. Composites of xBaTiO₃–(1 − x)Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ with x = 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 were prepared according two different procedures: (i) by direct mixing powders of perovskite BaTiO₃ and Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ spinel prepared by solid state and (ii) by coprecipitating Fe^III–Ni^II–Zn^II nitric salts in a NaOH solution in which the BaTiO₃ powders were previously dispersed. Optimum processing parameters for good homogeneity, densification and for a reduction of the chemical reactions at the interfaces ferroelectric-ferrite were found. A temperature and composition-dependent magnetic order is present in all the composites, with a dilution effect of the magnetisation due to the presence of the non-ferromagnetic phase. A diffuse ferroelectric–paraelectric transition due to the BaTiO₃ phase was identified by the temperature-dependence of the permittivity and losses, showing that at room temperature the material preserves a ferroelectric order. The interfaces play important roles in the dielectric properties, causing space charge effects and Maxwell–Wagner relaxation, particularly at low frequencies and high temperatures. The combined ferroelectric and magnetic ordering will result in magneto-electric coupling in this material; further investigations are necessary.     

Development of La(CrCoFeNi)O3 system perovskites as interconnect and cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells

The purpose of this research is to develop interconnect and cathode materials for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) which demonstrate desired properties of outstanding sintering properties, high electrical conductivity, and excellent chemical stability at high temperatures. Five different perovskite oxides of lanthanum in combination with chromium, iron, cobalt and nickel oxides powders, i.e. LaCr_0.7Co_0.1Fe_0.1Ni_0.1O₃(LCr7CFN), LaCo_0.7Cr_0.1Fe_0.1 Ni_0.1O₃(LCo7CFN), LaFe_0.7Cr_0.1Co_0.1Ni_0.1O₃(LFe7CCN), LaNi_0.7Cr_0.1Co_0.1Fe_0.1O₃(LNi7CCF), and LaCr_0.25Co_0.25Fe_0.25Ni_0.25O₃(LCCFN), were synthesized through the Pechini method. XRD results show that all materials are in single phase, either rhombohedral or orthorhombic crystal structure. The resulting powders were able to be sintered to a high relative density at a temperature of 1400 °C for 2 h in air. The electrical conductivity of the sintered sample was measured and evaluated from 300 °C to 800 °C. The LCCFN sample appears to have the best combination of sintering property (approximate 94% relative density) and electrical conductivity (88.13 Scm⁻¹ at 800 °C).     

Effect of mechanochemical synthesis on the structure,magnetic and optical behavior of Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 spinel ferrites

Ni_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ (0≤x≤1) nanocrystals were prepared by a soft mechanochemical approach. The structure and morphology were assessed via X-ray powder diffractometery (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The magnetic characteristics have been evaluated using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The optical properties were explored by diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectrophotometry (DRS). The substitution of Zn into the Ni_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ nanocrystals increased the mean nanocrystal size from 4 to 19 nm. The FTIR and Raman spectroscopies showed that the substitution with Zn up to x=0.5 in Ni_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ nanocrystals results in a migration of Fe ions from tetrahedral to octahedral sites, leading to an improvement of the saturation magnetization value to 33.8 emu/g. At the same time, the optical band gap decreased from 2.6 to 1.93 eV due to the increase of the Zn content from x=0 to x=1. These promising characteristics of Ni_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ nanocrystals make them suitable for the use in the field of magnetically recoverable catalysts including those for energy applications.     

Microemulsion-mediated hydrothermal growth of pagoda-like Fe3O4 microstructures and their application in a lithium–air battery

This paper reported the growth of novel pagoda-like Fe₃O₄ particles via a facile microemulsion-mediated hydrothermal procedure. The chemical compositions and morphologies of the as-grown Fe₃O₄ particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The morphologies of the as-prepared sample evolved from pagoda-like to pinwheel-like to flower-like shapes with increasing reaction time. In addition, the NaOH concentration and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-2000 had key effects on the formation of the final product. The electrocatalytic properties of the prepared pagoda-like micro-Fe₃O₄, as catalytic materials for a lithium–air battery, were further evaluated by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS). Results showed that the cell displayed an initial discharge capacity of 1429 mA h g⁻¹ at a voltage of 1.5–4.5 V at 100 mA g⁻¹.     

Low temperature sintering of laminated Ni0.5Ti0.5NbO4-Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 composites for high frequency applications

The laminated magneto-dielectric composites of Ni_0.5Ti_0.5NbO₄(NTN)-Ni_0.8Zn_0.2Fe₂O₄(NZO) were prepared by the conventional solid-state sintering method. The phase composition, microstructure, dielectric and magnetic properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that the as-prepared composites are very dense and the NTN and NZO phases can coexist in the composites without any secondary phase. The as-prepared composites also exhibit excellent dielectric and magnetic properties in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 1 GHz, which make them have potential applications for high-frequency electronic devices.     

Effectiveness of Ni incorporation in iron oxide crystal structure towards thermochemical CO2 splitting reaction

In this study, Ni-doped iron oxide (Ni_xFe_3−xO₄) materials were synthesized via the 1,2-epoxypropane assisted sol-gel method by varying the molar concentration of Ni from x=0.2 to 1. Sol-gel derived Ni_xFe_3−xO₄ gels were dried and the dried powder was further calcined upto 600 °C in air for 90 min. Obtained calcined Ni_xFe_3−xO₄ powders were further analyzed to determine the phase composition, crystallite size, specific surface area, pore volume, and morphology via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), BET surface area analysis (BET), as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The obtained results in the synthesis and characterization section indicate formation of Ni_xFe_3−xO₄ nanoparticles with high specific surface area. Thermal reduction and re-oxidation of the sol-gel synthesized Ni_xFe_3−xO₄ materials were determined by using the high temperature thermogravimetry. Obtained results indicate that the amount of O₂ released during the thermal reduction step (at 1400 °C) and quantity of CO produced during the CO₂ splitting step (at 1000 °C) increases as the concentration of Ni inside the iron oxide crystal structure increases. The highest amounts of O₂ released (221.88 μmol/g) and CO produced (375.01 μmol/g) in case of NiFe₂O₄ (NF10 material).     

Effect of mechanical milling on structural,dielectric and magnetic properties of BaTiO3–Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 multiferroic nanocomposites

The coexistence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism has triggered great interest in multiferroic materials. Multiferroic with strong room temperature magnetoelectric (ME) coupling can provide a platform for future technologies. In this paper, we have investigated the effect of mechanical milling on the properties of multiferroic nanocomposites synthesized by mixing barium titanate (BaTiO₃) (BT) and nickel cobalt ferrite (Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄) (NCF). This process has resulted into reliable disposal of a given quantity of NCF nanoparticles in BT grid and composite samples of different particle sizes (<500 nm) have been obtained by varying the duration of ball-milling for 12, 24, and 48 h. The presence of NCF within BT powder has been confirmed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and magnetization measurements (MH). Structural analysis was performed by using Reitveld refinement method that shows that the tetragonality of BaTiO₃ structure get reduced in submicron range. Variations in ferroelectric and dielectric properties with reduction in particle size/milling duration have been studied by P-E loop tracer and Impedance analyzer. The dielectric constant value of 400 has been observed for BT-NCF0 that increases to 9.7 K for composite sample ball mill at 48 h whereas remnant polarization increases to 4.2 μC/cm². These composites with high dielectric constant that changes with temperature and particles size find application in energy storage devices, sensor and memory devices.     

New LiNi0.5PrxFe2−xO4 nanocrystallites: Synthesis via low cost route for fabrication of smart advanced technological devices

Praseodymium substituted nano-crystalline Li-Ni spinel ferrites with different Pr³⁺ contents were synthesized by micro-emulsion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometery (VSM) techniques were employed to study the impact of substitution of the Pr³⁺ on the structure, surface morphology and magnetic parameters. XRD confirmed the formation of the single phase spinel ferrites of all compositions of LiNi_0.5Pr_xFe_2−xO₄ nanocrystallites. The crystallite size determined from XRD data by Scherrer formula was calculated in range from 40 nm to 70 nm. However the nanoparticles size estimated by SEM was found 35–115 nm. The room temperature VSM measurements were carried out in the applied field range from “−10,000 Oe” to “10000” Oe. Saturation magnetization (M_S) (41 emu/g) and coercivity (H_C) values (156.9 Oe) of LiNi_0.5Fe₂O₄ were improved by the addition of rare earth Pr³⁺ cations. The value of Hc is low, which is a strong indication of soft ferrites. The synthesized LiNi_0.5Pr_xFe_2−xO₄ ferrites may be utilized for low core losses on transformers.     

Co0.35Mn0.65Fe2O4 magnetic particles: Preparation and kinetics research of thermal process of the precursor

Precursor of nanocrystalline Co_0.35Mn_0.65Fe₂O₄ was synthesized by solid-state reaction at low heat using CoSO₄·7H₂O, MnSO₄·H₂O, FeSO₄·7H₂O, and Na₂C₂O₄ as raw materials. Nanocrystalline Co_0.35Mn_0.65Fe₂O₄ with spinel structure was obtained via calcining the precursor. The precursor and its calcined products were characterized using TG/DSC, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results showed that the precursor dried at 353 K was a mixture consisted of CoC₂O₄·2H₂O, MnC₂O₄·2H₂O, and FeC₂O₄·2H₂O. However, when the precursor was calcined at 623 K for 2 h, highly crystallization Co_0.35Mn_0.65Fe₂O₄ [space group R-3 m (166)] was obtained with a crystallite size of 22 nm. Magnetic characterization indicated that the specific saturation magnetization of Co_0.35Mn_0.65Fe₂O₄ obtained at 773 K was 66.14 Am²/kg. The thermal process of precursor experienced two steps, which involves the dehydration of the waters of crystallization at first, and then decomposition of Co_0.35Mn_0.65Fe₂(C₂O₄)₃ and formation of crystalline Co_0.35Mn_0.65Fe₂O₄ together. Based on the Kissinger equation, the values of the activation energy associated with the thermal processes of the precursor were determined to be 78 and 146 kJ/mol for the first and second thermal process steps, respectively.     

Chemical synthesis of Co and Mn co-doped NiO nanocrystalline materials as high-performance electrode materials for potential application in supercapacitors

Co and Mn co-doped with NiO nanostructued materials, such as, Ni_0.95Co_0.01Mn_0.04O_1−δ, Ni_0.95Co_0.04Mn_0.01O_1−δ and Ni_0.95Co_0.025Mn_0.025O_1−δ were synthesized by chemical synthesis route and studied for potential application as electrode materials for supercapacitors. The phase structure of the materials was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the crystallographic parameters were found out and reported. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy revealed the presence of M–O bond in the compounds. The particle size of the materials was found to be in the range of 291.5–336.5 nm. The morphological phenomenon of the materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the particles were found to be in spherical shape with average grain size of 14–28 nm. EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of appropriate levels of elements in the samples. The in-depth morphological characteristics were also studied by HR-TEM (High Resolution Tunneling Electron Microscopy). Cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance measurements were applied in an aqueous electrolyte (6 mol L⁻¹ KOH) to investigate the electrochemical performance of the Co and Mn co-doped NiO nanostructured electrode materials. The results indicate that the doping level of Co and Mn in NiO had a significant role in revealing the capacitive behaviors of the materials. Among the three electrode materials studied, Ni_0.95Co_0.025Mn_0.025O_1−δ electrode material shows a maximum specific capacitance of 673.33 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹. The electrochemical characteristics of blank graphite sheet were studied and compared with the performance of Co/Mn co-doped NiO based electrode materials. Also, Ni_0.95Co_0.025Mn_0.025O_1−δ has resulted in a degradation level of 4.76% only after 1000 continuous cycles, which shows its excellent electrochemical performance, indicating a kind of potential candidate for supercapacitors.