Synthesis, microstructure, and electromagnetic behavior of graphene nanoplatelets/CZCF ferrite nanocomposites

• Published in: Synthetic metals 2024-09, Vol.307, p.117664, Article 117664
• Main Authors: Ilyas, Muhammad Muzammal, Manzoor, Alina, Khan, Muhammad Azhar, Shahzad, Aamir, Afzal, Amir Muhammad, Rasul, Muhammad Nasir, Saleem, Muhammad Rizwan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrical; Electrode; Ferrites/GNP nanocomposites; Magnetic; Supercapacitors; XRD
• ISSN: 0379-6779
• DOI: 10.1016/j.synthmet.2024.117664

In this study, the sol-gel autocombustion route was used to synthesize Cd-Zn-Cr ferrites/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites having chemical formula Cd0.35Zn0.65Cr0.03Fe1.97O4/GNPx (x= 0–5 wt%). Thermogravimetric examination (TGA) was utilized to estimate the annealing temperature of about 1173 K. The manufacturing of a mono-phase cubic spinel structure was verified through XRD data. The composites' lattice constant (a) and crystalline size (D) ranged from 8.43 Å to 8.47 Å and 29.66 nm to 38.32 nm, respectively. SEM micrographs revealed the nano-size particles attached to a sheet-like structure. The UV/Vis methodology revealed an energy band gap (Eg) between 4.20 and 4.95 eV. Two probe DC electrical measurements (IV) indicated the increased electric conductivities of prepared nanocomposites. Room-temperature dielectric analysis has shown an increase in dielectric constant (ε′), AC conductivity (σac), and capacitance of the pellet (Cp) by increasing the GNP concentration due to the conducting network. The dielectric constant, capacitance, and ac conductivity of the nanocomposites were found to be 2.57, 1.18×10−09 F, and 1.25×10−10 (Ω.cm)−1 for GNP=5.00 wt% as compared to 1.95, 6.63×10−10 F, and 3.09×10−11 (Ω.cm)−1 for GNP=0.00 wt%, respectively. These composites are useful as high-performance electrodes in charge storage devices at high frequencies. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of the synthesized ferrites/GNP nanocomposites ranged from 4.1 to 11.5 emu/g, and the coercivity (Hc) varied from 109 to 452 Oe. The demonstrated nanocomposites provide a strategy for designing high-efficiency electrode materials for supercapacitors. •CZCF/GNP nanocomposites were investigated for structural, magnetic, dielectric, and electrochemical properties.•SEM micrographs revealed the attachment of nano-sized ferrite particles attached to a sheet-like structure.•DC electrical measurements (IV) indicated the increased electric conductivity as a function of GNP content.•Both Ms and Hc showed a significant change by increasing the GNP concentration in the CZCF crystal matrix.•Enhanced capacitance and ac conductivity of CZCF/GNP nanocomposites suggest them for designing high-efficiency electrode materials for supercapacitors.