Effect of Gamma-Irradiation on Electrochemical Properties of Nicos for Supercapacitor Application

Abstract

We used an elementary hydrothermal approach to create this NiCoS nanohybrid. Analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified that the creation of this nanomaterial was successful. The material underwent cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), testing in preparation for its use as a supercapacitor electrode. The innovative aspect of this work was researching how electrodes’ supercapacitor qualities were affected by gamma-irradiation with an average energy of 1.25 MeV. The manufactured samples endured gamma radiation exposure with 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 kGy dosages. Following 5000 consecutive cycles, the sample subjected to the most significant dose of gamma radiation exhibited the lowest charge transfer resistance, maximum stability, and highest specific capacity of 253 Cg−1. Compared to the non-irradiation sample, the gamma-ray exposed NiCoS (50 kGy) had an 85 s longer discharge duration at a current density of 0.1 Ag−1. These data indicate that gamma radiation has a positive influence on electrode performance rather than a negative one. For this reason, NiCoS may be used as an electrode material for gamma radiation medium supercapacitors.