Facile synthesis and characterization of NiCo₂O₄-rGO binary for energy-storing application

Composites of carbonaceous materials and the spinel metal oxides have been profoundly analyzed due to their recognized properties, including high capacity, better stability, and good cycle life. The facile synthesis of the binary composite of NiCo₂O₄-rGO has been done by dextrose-assisted combustion method at temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 °C in a furnace. X-ray diffraction technique has been employed to analyze properties like the crystalline nature and the cubic lattice structure of the samples. The reduction in the restacking of graphene sheets and the agglomeration of NiCo₂O₄ particles in the composite has been confirmed by Fourier Electron Scanning Electron Microscopy. The Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis has been done to confirm the presence of all elements and to find the elemental wt% in the composite. The strengthening of bonds between the elements present in the composite compared to their counterparts is evident from the Fourier Transform Spectroscopy. The Thermogravimetric Analysis confirms the stability of the synthesized composite to withstand higher temperatures. The electrochemical study unveils the specific capacity equal to 400 F g⁻¹ at a 10-mV s⁻¹ scan rate of the synthesized composite. Further, the composite material shows a promising charge–discharge rate and a lower equivalent resistance value affirming that the synthesized composite exhibits good electrochemical activities and can be utilized in energy-storing devices.