Ultrahigh faradaic NiO anchored carbon-coated Fe-MOF derived Fe3O4 NiO-C@Fe3O4 as potential electrode for pouch-type asymmetric supercapacitor

Metal organic frameworks have emerged as a potential component in tailoring the design of metal oxides. Herein, we report electrochemical aspects of pseudocapacitor assembled with NiO curved nanoflakes blended with carbon coated Fe3O4 nanorods (NC@FO) as an active electrode. The NC@FO nanocomposite synthesis encompasses various stages covering MOF derived Fe3O4 nanorods, thin layer of elegant carbon coating on Fe3O4 nanorods, NiO curved nanoflakes by hydrothermal route, and physical blending of NiO with C@FO. The physical characterisations confirm the structure, morphology, presence of functional groups, and oxidation states of FO and NC@FO compounds. In a three electrode supercapacitor assembly, the active working electrode, NC@FO exhibits high specific capacitance of 1210 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and excellent capacitance retention of 87.1 % over 2000 cycles at 10 A g−1. In an asymmetrical flexible pseudocapacitor assembly of AC//NC@FO as a pouch cell, the active electrode, NC@FO excels with fast rate capability, and significant capacitance retention of 83.32 % over 10,000 cycles. The AC//NC@FO pouch cell exhibits relatively high power density of 2690 W/kg and an amicable energy density of 72 Wh/kg. The AC//NC@FO pseudocapacitor reveals good electrochemical stability under different bending angles which confirms better flexibility of the device. Interestingly, the AC//NC@FO flexible pseudocapacitor is capable of powering a red LED with high intensity which suggests possible real-time applications in wearable electronic industries.