Interfacial electron transfer in ZnFe2O4@ZnCo2O4 Mott-Schottky heterojunction boosting the electrochemical performance

Engineering nanocomposites based on transition metal oxides (TMOs) shows an extensive interest due to their synergistic effects and strong interfacial interactions. In this report, a novel ZnFe 2 O 4 @ZnCo 2 O 4 nanocomposite is bridged on Ni-Foam through one pot-hydrothermal way. The nanocomposite exhibits synergistic properties due to the build of a Mott-Schottky heterojunction, which enhances interfacial interactions, provides pathways for ion migration and diffusion, and enables rapid charge transfer, thereby improving energy storage dynamics. In full 3 electrode system, the ZnFe 2 O 4 @ZnCo 2 O 4 electrode delivers extraordinary specific capacity of 913.7 C·g −1 (0.5 A·g −1 ), keeps marvellous capacitance retention of 79 % at 30 A·g −1 , and a long cycle life with only 7 % capacity loss after 20,000 rounds. More encouragingly, an asymmetric supercapacitor device of ZnFe 2 O 4 @ZnCo 2 O 4 //active carbon (AC) delivers an impressive energy density of 73.77 Wh·kg −1 at 490 W·kg −1 power value. Two devices in series can successfully operate a white LED for several minutes. The foldability characteristic of the device shows good electrochemical properties even at various bending angles. Therefore, the new ZnFe 2 O 4 @ZnCo 2 O 4 nanocomposite endorsed by Mott-Schottky junction, effectively addressed the charge states at the interface and ensured the specificity of electrode material, leading to superior electrochemical performance.