Optimizing BiFeO3 nanostructures with reduced graphene oxide for sustainable energy storage applications
Muneeba Shahid, Aurang Zaib, Jahanzaib Mughal, Ammar Tariq, Umer Waqas, Shahid M. Ramay, Shahid Atiq
Abstract
In the pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable future, modern energy storage technologies must balance efficiency with sustainability to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Supercapacitors, despite their rapid charge-discharge cycles and high-power densities, often struggle with low energy density, limiting their use in long-term energy applications. Addressing this limitation, this study explores BiFeO 3 (BFO) and its composites with varying amounts of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (3 %, 6 %, and 9 %) as high-performance electrode materials. BFO offers a broad voltage range and substantial capacitance through faradaic redox reactions, while rGO enhances conductivity and surface area, facilitating improved charge transfer. We achieved high crystallinity and a well-developed porous structure for these materials by using a sol–gel auto-combustion method for BFO and a solvothermal approach for the BFO/rGO composites. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the structural integration of rGO on BFO, with notable D and G bands indicating defects and graphitic nature respectively, which became more pronounced as rGO content increased. Electrochemical tests reveal pronounced redox peaks and increased capacitance with higher rGO content, with BFO-III achieving a (Cs = 877 F/g), (E = 19.4 W h/kg), and ( P = 0.38 kW/kg). Furthermore, cyclic stability testing over 3000 cycles showed BFO-III retaining 90 % of its initial capacitance, underscoring its robust performance over extended cycling. This research highlights the potential of BFO/rGO composites in advancing supercapacitor technology, providing critical insights for future sustainable energy storage solutions.