Graphene-backed nickel cobalt oxide electrode shows promise for supercapacitors and hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a hybrid electrode material that combines nickel cobalt oxide, cadmium oxide, and reduced graphene oxide. In lab tests, it delivered a specific capacity of 2700 coulombs per gram at 2 A/g, an energy density of 71.2 Wh/kg, and a power density of 1600 W/kg. It also catalyzed the hydrogen evolution reaction with a 190.22 mV overpotential at 10 mA/cm2 and a Tafel slope of 67.22 mV/dec, suggesting it could be used in both supercapacitors and water electrolyzers. However, the material is still at an early research stage. The study reports only 1000 charge-discharge cycles with 89.87% coulombic efficiency, and the use of cadmium raises toxicity concerns. Full-cell testing, longer cycle life, and industrial-scale current densities will determine whether this bifunctional approach moves beyond the lab.