Growth of Succulent Shaped Fluorine Incorporated Ni─Co LDH (F-NiCo(OH)2): Elevating Supercapacitor Efficiency

Abstract

The unparalleled morphological tuning of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), specifically NiCo(OH)₂, through fluorine doping, is systematically investigated. The unique morphological tuning is achieved by precisely modulating the fluorine dopant concentration using a straightforward solvothermal approach. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) results show distinct succulent-like morphologies in the samples, influencing the surface area and electrochemical performance. Electrochemical studies of the fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor consisting of 2F-NiCo(OH)₂|Activated Carbon(AC) electrodes exhibit very high charge storage capacity as high as 402 C g⁻¹. Further, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirms the incorporation and chemisorption of fluorine within the LDH layers, thereby corroborating its presence influencing the electronic environment and enhancing the electrochemical performance. The device shows an exceptionally high energy density, of 67 Wh kg⁻¹ with power density of 10.6 kW kg⁻¹ while retaining 95% specific capacity after 13 000 cycles at 10 mA cm⁻² current density. The practical applicability of the developed supercapacitor is demonstrated by successfully powering an LED and a calculator, underscoring its potential for real-world energy storage solutions.