Partial sulfur doping induced lattice expansion of NiFe2O4 with enhanced electrochemical capacity for supercapacitor application

• The partial S-doping NiFe 2 O 4 was obtained through a facile hydrothermal method. • The d-spacing of NiFe 2 O 4 was expended caused by partial S-doping. • The impact of partial S-doping to NiFe 2 O 4 is exposed by VASP analysis . • The optimal electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 284 F/g. Nickel ferrite exhibits many advantages as electrode materials in the application of supercapacitor, such as high energy capacity and excellent cycle stability. Whereas, compared with identical-metal sulfides, the specific capacitance of NiFe 2 O 4 is still insufficient. Hence, to combine the superiorities of oxides and sulfides, partial sulfur doping NiFe 2 O 4 is obtained through hydrothermal synthesis method. Analyzed by Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) software and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, the lattice parameters of NiFe 2 O 4 are confirmed to be expanded by introducing sulfur atoms, which is beneficial to electrochemical performances. At a current density of 1 A/g, the specific capacitance of partial sulfur doping NiFe 2 O 4 is calculated to be 284 F/g, higher than that of the original NiFe 2 O 4 of 182.2 F/g. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 21.14 Wh/kg is achieved at a power density of 375 W/kg. This work shows that partial sulfur doping could improve the electrochemical performance of NiFe 2 O 4 . To sum up, this work provides an effective way to enhance the poor electrochemical performance of oxides, greatly encouraging the application of oxides in energy storage field.