Structural, morphological, optical and electrochemical aspects of novel synthesized Nickel Oxide and Cobalt doped Nickel Oxide nanoparticles-An alternate electrode material for energy storage devices

Nickel oxide (NiO) and cobalt doped Nickel oxide (Co-NiO) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by cost effective, environmentally friendly, and scalable eco-precipitation method. The prepared nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Optical spectroscopy (UV) and Cyclic voltammetric (CV). The structural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction which confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the particles with cubic structure. SEM analysis of the particles enabled the conclusion that the prepared particles were polycrystalline, irregularly spherical in shape, and agglomerated. The chemical bond and functional group were identified from FTIR spectroscopy and the elemental composition of prepared particles was identified by EDAX analysis. From UV-Vis absorbance spectra and Tauc relation, the type of transition and band gaps of the particles were estimated. The electrochemical performance was investigated using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in presence of 1M KOH as an electrolyte. The NiO and cobalt doped NiO coated electrodes provide promising applications as electrode materials for energy storage devices.