Synthesis and characterization of NiFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and CuFe2O4 thin films for anode material in Li-ion batteries

The searches for advanced battery materials are endless. Ferrites have drawn much attention as a potential anode material in Li-ion battery. Nanocrystalline transition metal ferrite MFe2O4 (M = Ni, Co and Cu) thin films were deposited by spray pyrolysis technique over antimony doped tin oxide substrate. The phase and surface morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope measurements, respectively. Magnetic property, film thickness and electrochemical performance of the materials are studied. The result shows that the films are of single phase, with cubic spinel structure for NiFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 and tetragonal structure for CuFe2O4. Magnetization studies reveal that the films are ferrimagnetic in nature. Electrochemical measurement reveals NiFe2O4 and CuFe2O4 are having good recyclable nature, which can be used as potential anode material for Li-ion batteries.