Tailoring charge retention in NiO-based composites via MOF architecture and hybridization

Developing stable and efficient electrode materials is requisite for improving energy-storage performance. In this study, we compare the charge retention behaviour of pristine NiO nanoparticles, Ni-MOFs prepared with single and dual organic linkers, and their corresponding derived and composite structures. The materials were synthesized through a solvothermal route and characterized to confirm structural and morphological features. Their electrochemical response was evaluated in alkaline medium using standard supercapacitor testing methods. The outcomes show a clear progression in retention performance linked to the choice and number of linkers. Pristine NiO exhibits a retention of 68%, while mono-linker and double-linker Ni-MOFs improve this to 74% and 84%, respectively. MOF-derived NiO provides 78% retention, and the corresponding composites show 72% for mono-linker Ni-MOF@NiO, 84% for the double-linker system, and a maximum of 86% for the MOF-derived NiO@NiO. These trends demonstrate that ligand multiplicity and structural integration with NiO significantly enhance charge stability. Inclusive, the work highlights a straightforward strategy for designing MOF-based hybrid electrodes with improved retention for next-generation supercapacitors.