Surface area and composition-engineered CoFe ₂ O ₄ /g-C ₃ N ₄ 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.