Preparation of Composites Based on Ferrite & Biomass-derived Carbon and its Investigation for Supercapacitor Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

In this research, nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄), aluminum-doped nickel ferrite (NiFe₁.₉Al₀.₁O₄), and a composite with Balsa wood-derived carbon were successfully synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The aim was to enhance the electrochemical performance of nickel ferrite for supercapacitor applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of a pure cubic spinel structure in all samples, with slight peak shifts observed in the doped and composite materials due to lattice modifications. Electrochemical characterization was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results demonstrated that Al doping improved electrical conductivity and structural stability, while the addition of biomass-derived carbon increased the surface area and reduced particle agglomeration. Among all samples, the Al–NiFe₂O₄/carbon composite exhibited the highest specific capacitance and best cyclic stability, proving it to be the most effective electrode material. This study highlights the potential of using low-cost, sustainable, and doped ferrite-carbon composites as advanced materials for energy storage in supercapacitor devices.