Exploring pseudocapacitive performance in Cr₂CT_<i>x</i>/NiFe₂O₄ composites: experimental insights

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage systems has driven the development of advanced, durable, and cost-effective materials. This study introduces heterostructures of 2D Cr₂CT_<i>x</i> MXene and NiFe₂O₄, leveraging their synergistic properties, such as high conductivity, surface termination groups (-OH, -O, and -F), tunable surface chemistry, and rich redox activity. Comprehensive structural and morphological characterization confirms the enhanced functionality of Cr₂CT_<i>x</i>/NiFe₂O₄, which exhibits a remarkable specific capacitance of 1719.5 F g^-1 with 88% retention over 5000 cycles in a three-electrode system. Additionally, the asymmetric supercapacitor device demonstrates a specific capacitance of 486.66 F g^-1, an energy density of 97.66 W h kg^-1, and a power density of 1203.95 W kg^-1, retaining 94% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles. A plausible charge transfer mechanism in the composite is discussed, providing new insights into the synergistic Cr₂CT_<i>x</i>/NiFe₂O₄ heterostructures as high-performance materials for energy storage applications.