A Novel NbPO5-CoFe2O4 Hybrid Electrode Toward Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

Abstract

In this study, a novel NbPO-CoFe composite electrode synthesized through a two-step process combining hydrothermal growth and electrodeposition is reported. The resulting 3D architecture offers excellent conductivity, structural stability, and abundant electroactive sites due to the synergy between NbPO5 nanorods and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, enabling efficient charge transport and enhance redox kinetics for bifunctional energy applications. Electrochemical evaluation reveals NbPO-CoFe has a high areal capacitance of 15.09 F cm(-)(2) (2.52 mAh cm(-)(2)) at 20 mA cm(-)(2). An asymmetric supercapacitor device (NbPO-CoFe//AC) is fabricated that demonstrates excellent cycling stability retaining 85% of its capacitance and 95% coulombic efficiency till 45 000 cycles. Complementing experimental observations, machine learning analysis using the Prophet model forecasts enhanced long-term stability, suggesting the composite's robust potential in practical applications. Beyond energy storage, the NbPO-CoFe composite demonstrates outstanding oxygen evolution reaction performance, with a low overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA cm(-)(2), confirming its suitability for water-splitting applications. The device's practical viability is further showcased by its ability to power red (approximate to 1.5 V), green (approximate to 2.0 V), and blue (approximate to 3.0 V) LEDs. These findings position the NbPO-CoFe composite as a high-performance, multifunctional electrode material with strong prospects in advanced electrochemical energy storage and sustainable catalysis technologies.