Aloe vera-derived NiCo₂O₄ electrodes with improved cyclic efficiency for supercapattery applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Supercapatteries require advanced electrode materials for efficient energy storage.
• Developing sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods is crucial for meeting energy demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize phase-pure spinel NiCo2O4 nanomaterial using Aloe vera as a green capping and reducing agent.
• To evaluate the electrochemical performance of the synthesized NiCo2O4 for supercapattery applications.

Main Methods:

• Aloe vera-assisted green synthesis of NiCo2O4 nanomaterial.
• Characterization using Synchrotron XRD, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, BET, and XPS.
• Electrochemical testing for supercapattery performance, including capacitance, rate capability, and cycling stability.

Main Results:

• Phase-pure spinel NiCo2O4 with mesoporosity (surface area 18.61 m2 g-1) was successfully synthesized.
• XPS analysis revealed mixed Ni/Co oxidation states and oxygen vacancies, enhancing redox activity.
• The electrode demonstrated high specific capacitance (609.6 F g-1 at 5 mV s-1), excellent rate capability, and retained 97% capacitance over 5000 cycles.

Conclusions:

• Aloe vera-derived NiCo2O4 is a cost-effective and sustainable electrode material.
• The green synthesis route offers a promising pathway for high-performance supercapattery electrodes.
• The material exhibits excellent electrochemical properties suitable for advanced energy storage devices.