Synthesis of nanocrystalline nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4) thin films by chemical bath deposition method

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Research highlights: → We have successfully synthesized nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4) thin films on stainless steel substrates using a low temperature chemical bath deposition method. → The surface morphological study showed the compact flakes like morphology. → The as-deposited thin films are hydrophilic (10o < θ < 90o) whereas the annealed thin films are super hydrophilic (θ < 10o) in nature. → Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 thin films could be used in supercapacitor. - Abstract: The nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4) thin films have been successfully deposited on stainless steel substrates using a chemical bath deposition method from alkaline bath. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), static water contact angle and cyclic voltammetry measurements. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that deposited Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 thin films were oriented along (3 1 1) plane. The FTIR spectra showed strong absorption peaks around 600 cm-1 which are typical for cubic spinel crystal structure. SEM study revealed compact flakes like morphology having thickness ∼1.8 μm after air annealing. The annealed films were super hydrophilic in nature having a static water contact angle (θ) of 5o.The electrochemical supercapacitor study of Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 thin films has been carried out in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The values of interfacial and specific capacitances obtained were 0.0285 F cm-2 and 19 F g-1, respectively.