Integration of MXene nanosheets with NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for high-performance quasi-solid-state supercapacitor application

Abstract In this study we have investigate the systematic synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical study of Ti3C2Tx/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite electrodes for high-performance Quasi-Solid-State supercapacitor applications. The study explores the synergistic effects arising from the strategic integration of two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXenes nanosheets with pseudocapacitive NiFe2O4 nanoparticles to overcome the individual limitations of each component while maximizing their complementary advantages. Through systematic variation of NiFe2O4 loading percentages (5%, 20%, 50%, and 80%), the optimal composition was identified as Ti3C2TxNiFe2O4@20% (MNFO20), which demonstrated exceptional electrochemical performance characteristics. Comprehensive electrochemical characterization employing cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the MNFO20 nanocomposite achieved a remarkable specific capacitance of 242 F/g at 10 mV/s, as compared to pristine MXenes (68 F/g). The nanocomposite exhibited superior energy density of 57.76 Wh/kg and power density of 799.84 W/kg. Mechanistic analysis revealed that the enhanced performance originates from synergistic effects including the formation of efficient electron transport networks, complementary charge storage mechanisms combining electrical double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance, prevention of MXenes layer restacking, and improved electrolyte accessibility. The charge transfer resistance was dramatically reduced from 2.25 Ω for pristine MXenes to 0.14 Ω for the MNFO20 composite, demonstrating significantly improved charge transfer kinetics. It also maintains 86.2% of its initial capacity over 2000 cycles. These findings establish Ti3C2Tx/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites as promising electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices requiring both high energy density and rapid power delivery capabilities.