Multifunctional MgFe2O4/GNPs nanocomposite: Graphene-promoted visible light driven photocatalytic activity and electrochemical performance of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles

Herein, the electrochemical and photodegradation properties of magnesium ferrite and graphene-nanoplatelets nanocomposites, (MFO)(1-x)(GNPs)(x), (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75) are reported. Benefitting from the effective interfacial interaction of the bi-phase nanocomposite and superior electrical conduction of GNPs, a significant enhancement in supercapacitive performance has been demonstrated. Interestingly, the electrochemical properties of nanocomposite electrode were found to depend on the loading ratio of GNPs. Notably the (MFO)(0.50)(GNPs)(0.50) (50 wt % GNPs) shows an outstanding energy storage capacity i.e., 612 Fg(-1) at 0.5 Ag-1 with 21.25 Wh kg(-1) energy density at power density of 125 W kg(-1) and retains similar to 76.8 % of the first cycle capacitance after continuous 1500 charge/discharge cycles. Furthermore, the (MFO)(0.75)(GNPs)(0.25) (25 wt % GNPs) composite demonstrates admirable photodegradation efficiency (99.3 % in 60 min of visible light illumination) which is 3.2 times than that of neat MFO nanoparticles. The superior electrochemical and photodegradation performance suggests that the prepared nanocomposites can be effectively utilized in high-performance energy storage devices and low cost, eco-friendly water purification systems.