Spinel Ferrite-Based Electrodes: Synthesis, Electrochemical Properties, and Emerging Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

Due to its economic benefits and efficient storage capacity, the attention of scientists towards energy storage devices has increased. The novel electroactive materials that can be used to achieve better electrochemical performance have attracted much attention lately. Spinel ferrites having the composition of MFe2O4 (M can be Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mg and other metal elements) have been paid great importance due to various interesting features they offer, including tunable electrical conductivity, multiplicity of redox centres, chemical stability, magnetic property, environment-friendliness, cost-effectiveness and many others. It should be mentioned that the unique crystal structure of spinel ferrites, characterised by a different arrangement of cations, plays an important role in optimising electron transfer and storage. Consequently, due to their unique properties, spinel ferrites can be used as promising candidates in the fabrication of supercapacitors, secondary batteries and sensors, i.e. multifunctional energy storage devices. In this study, structural features, preparation techniques, electrode production and electrochemistry of the ferrite-based electrode materials have been discussed comprehensively. Besides, particular emphasis has been put on the applications of ferrites as promising electrode materials in supercapacitors, Li/S batteries and electrochemical sensors. Finally, the important issues, such as lack of sufficient electrical conductivity, volume changes and scaling effect, have also been elaborated in this paper.