Electrodeposited Nanostructured CoFe2O4 for Overall Water Splitting and Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

To contribute to solving global energy problems, a multifunctional CoFe 2 O 4 spinel was synthesized and used as a catalyst for overall water splitting and as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The ultra-fast one-step electrodeposition of CoFe 2 O 4 over conducting substrates provides an economic pathway to high-performance energy devices. Electrodeposited CoFe 2 O 4 on Ni-foam showed a low overpotential of 270 mV and a Tafel slope of 31 mV/dec. The results indicated a higher conductivity for electrodeposited compared with dip-coated CoFe 2 O 4 with enhanced device performance. Moreover, bending and chronoamperometry studies suggest excellent durability of the catalytic electrode for long-term use. The energy storage behavior of CoFe 2 O 4 showed high specific capacitance of 768 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g and maintained about 80% retention after 10,000 cycles. These results demonstrate the competitiveness and multifunctional applicability of the CoFe 2 O 4 spinel to be used for energy generation and storage devices.