Lithium-substituted Nickel Ferrite Nanomaterials and Their Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties for Applications in Green Energy Hydroelectric Cells
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 4 (December 2025) pp. 329-345
Abstract
The development of hydroelectric cells (HECs) has revolutionized the generation of green and sustainable electricity. In this study, lithium-substituted nickel ferrite (LixNi{1-x}Fe2O4, x=0.0-0.3) magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol–gel method for HEC performance. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a reduction in crystallite size from 46.79 nm to 40.97 nm with increasing lithium content. The crystallite size of the material decreases with the increase in the concentration of Li+. Also, the particle size decreases with the Li+, which is evidenced by the SEM micrograph analysis. The micrographs show the porous microstructure of the material. Photoluminescence studies revealed emission wavelengths between 279 and 558 nm, corresponding to defect states and oxygen vacancies, which increased with lithium substitution. The band gap variation followed the Brus effective mass model. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated a significant reduction in impedance values for Li+-substituted ferrites compared to pure nickel ferrite. The presence of defects and nanopores in the material facilitated enhanced water dissociation, leading to efficient electricity generation via redox reactions at Zn and Ag electrodes. The V−I polarization curve indicated that the short circuit current of the Li/Ni-based HEC ranged from 7.5 to 16.64 mA, with the highest value observed for x=0.3 (16.64 mA and maximum power of 14.98 mW) due to its high porosity, low charge transfer resistance, and increased defect density. Dielectric studies show that ionic and electronic charge movement influences the hydroelectric cell performance and energy output. The present research findings highlight the potential of lithium-substituted nickel ferrite for improving hydroelectric cell efficiency and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
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Reference
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