Improved electrochemical properties of nanostructured Bi_0.9Gd_0.1FeO₃ thin film as electrode material for supercapacitors

In this study, researchers investigated the potential of nanostructured gadolinium-doped bismuth ferrite (Bi_0.9Gd_0.1FeO₃) thin film as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The thin film was synthesized using the sol–gel method and deposited onto a Si/SiO₂/TiO₂/Pt substrate using spin coating. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed a rhombohedral distorted perovskite structure. Morphological analysis with SEM and AFM revealed the presence of nanorod-like structures, approximately 200 nm thick. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the functional groups in the film. Through electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge and discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a significant specific capacitance of 812 F/g was observed, indicating promising supercapacitor performance through superficial faradic reactions. The findings suggest that gadolinium-doped bismuth ferrite thin films hold potential as effective electrode materials for supercapacitors when operating in a liquid environment.