Electrodeposited Cobalt Hydroxide Thin Films: A Comprehensive Investigation from Synthesis to Advanced Electrochemical Behavior for High-Performance Energy Storage

The synthesis and characterization of cobalt hydroxides generated from cobalt chloride precursors at various concentrations (0.1 to 0.5 M) by using cathodic electrochemical deposition technique for prospective energy storage application. The Co(OH)₂ thin films were discovered to have a crystalline structure with a crystallite size of ~ 40 nanometers, particle size of 180 nm, and a leaf-like morphology via XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) respectively. Further properties were investigated by EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and UV Vis Spectra (Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy) analysis. The presence of cobalt hydroxide was confirmed by EDS, verifying the purity of the substance. Electrochemical characteristics, such as CV (Cyclic Voltammetry), GCD (Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge), and EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) analysis, indicated capacitive behavior, confirming their feasibility for energy storage. The specific capacitances from 450 to 1250 F/g were measured from the GCD curve. The MATLAB study gave quantitative data on critical electrode characteristics which improved the understanding of the performance and a framework for further investigation in the development of sustainable energy solutions.