Trimetallic Zn-Ni-Mo metal-organic framework and derived Ni0.5Zn0.5MoO4 nanoparticles as efficient cathode materials for electrochemical energy storage

A rod-like trimetallic NiZnMo-MOF was synthesized via hydrothermal treatment and converted into Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 nanoparticles through calcination at 550 °C. FESEM confirmed the rod-to-nanoparticle transformation, while XRD verified the presence of H 2 BDC linkers in NiZnMo-MOF and the monoclinic phase of Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 . The band gap decreased from 3.81 eV to 3.45 eV upon conversion. BET/BJH analyses revealed enhanced porosity, with Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 exhibiting a higher surface area (58.3 m² g⁻¹) and larger pore size (18.2 nm) compared to NiZnMo-MOF (31.1 m² g⁻¹, 14.3 nm). Electrochemical evaluation in 3 M KOH showed superior performance of Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 /NF electrodes, achieving 2228.8 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ and retaining 94% capacitance at 15 A g⁻¹ , surpassing NiZnMo-MOF/NF (1701.8 F g⁻¹ or 2739.9 F cm⁻ 3 , 91% retention). Dunn and Trasatti analyses confirmed contributions from both surface and diffusion-controlled processes. An asymmetric Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 //activated carbon supercapacitor delivered an energy density of 101.5 Wh kg⁻¹ at 747.1 W kg⁻¹ , highlighting Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 nanoparticles as promising electroactive materials for energy storage. • Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 was synthesized from trimetallic NiZnMo-MOF using hydrothermal method. • The optical band gap ( E g ) of 3.45 eV was determined for Ni₀.₅Zn₀.₅MoO₄ nanoparticles. • The maximum C s of 2228.8 F g −1 was assessed for Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 supercapattery. • Enhanced surface-controlled specific capacitance was observed in Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 compared to the trimetallic MOF. • Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 MoO 4 //AC ASC delivered an outstanding E s of 101.5 Wh kg −1 at a P s of 747.1 W kg −1 .