Surface area and composition-engineered CoFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ hybrid electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

Efficient synthesis techniques coupled with enhanced specific capacitance are crucial for advancing the next generation of supercapacitor electrode materials. Here, we examine the electrochemical performance of hybrid electrodes for supercapacitor applications that involve graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) reinforced with cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄). CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized using an inexpensive and eco-friendly honey-mediated approach. These nanoparticles were combined with g-C₃N₄ with varying surface areas and evaluated as electrode materials for supercapacitors. The final composites were extensively characterized for morphology, structure, and electrochemical performance. According to the empirical results, a desirable CoFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite material with a proportion of 1:0.8 demonstrated a specific capacitance of 470 Fg^‒1 at a scan rate of 2 mVs^‒1 and 331 Fg^‒1 at a current density of 0.5 Ag^-1 within a potential range of 0 to 0.5 V in 2 M KOH. Heterostructures CoFe₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ (CoF/GCN₂, ratio: 1:0.8) composites showed exceptional cyclic stability (80% of its capacitance after 10,000 cycles) at higher current densities (6 Ag^-1), which was considerably greater than that of pristine g-C₃N₄, CoFe₂O₄, along with additional nanocomposite variations. It also achieved a power density of 2142.8 W kg^‒1 and an energy density of 4.75 Wh kg^‒1. It is believed that the higher electrochemical efficiency is largely attributed to the combined effect of porous g-C₃N₄ and CoFe₂O₄.