Nickel vanadate nitrogen-doped carbon nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitor electrode

A nickel-vanadium-based bimetallic precursor was produced using the polymerization process by urea-formaldehyde copolymers. The precursor was then calcined at 800 °C in an argon ambiance to form a Ni₃V₂O₈-NC magnetic nanocomposite. Powerful techniques were used to study the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the fabricated Ni₃V₂O₈-NC electrode. PXRD, Raman, and FTIR analyses proved that the crystal structure of Ni₃V₂O₈-NC included N-doped graphitic carbon. FESEM and TEM analyses imaging showed the distribution of the Ni₃V₂O₈ nanoparticles on the layered graphitic carbon structure. TEM images showed the prepared sample has a particle size of around 10-15 nm with an enhanced active site area of 146 m²/g, as demonstrated by BET analysis. Ni₃V₂O₈-NC nanocomposite exhibits magnetic behaviors and a magnetization saturation value of 35.99 emu/g. The electrochemical (EC) studies of the synthesized Ni₃V₂O₈-NC electrode proceeded in an EC workstation of three-electrode. In a 5 M potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte, the cyclic voltmeter exhibited an enhanced capacitance (C) of 915 F/g at 50 mV/s. Galvanic charge-discharge (GCD) study also exhibited a superior capacitive improvement of 1045 F/g at a current density (I) of 10 A/g. Moreover, the fabricated Ni₃V₂O₈-NC nanocomposite displays a good power density (P) of 356.67 W/kg, improved ion accessibility, and substantial charge storage. At the high energy density (E) of 67.34 W h/kg, the obtained P was 285.17 W/kg. The enhanced GCD rate, cycle stability, and E of the Ni₃V₂O₈-NC magnetic nanocomposite nominate the sample as an excellent supercapacitor electrode. This study paves the way for developing effective, efficient, affordable, and ecologically friendly electrode materials.