Nanocomposite (1−x)NiCo₂O₄/(x)NiFe₂O₄ samples were fabricated utilizing the sol-gel and hydrothermal approaches. The observed X-ray diffraction patterns and Rietveld analysis were employed to examine the impact of the alloying parameter (x) on the resultant phases, their crystal structure, and microstructure for every sample. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the cation exchange between the formed phases. All samples exhibited a significant absorption within the 300–800nm range; however, it reduced a little upon increasing (x). The optical band gap energy of NiCo₂O₄ is 0.82eV, and it is enlarged to 0.88, 1.01 and 1.73eV as the concentration of NiFe₂O₄ in the system increases to 10, 20, and 100%. The rate of H₂ volume production during the hydrolysis of NaBH₄ is augmented by the incorporation of NiCo₂O₄ and NiFe₂O₄, achieving optimal performance at x=0.1. The enthalpy (ΔH‡), entropy (ΔS‡) of the activation of reactant and free energy change (ΔG‡) values were determined. The incorporation of NiFe₂O₄ with NiCo₂O₄ effectively diminishes the activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH‡), and entropy (ΔS‡) associated with NaBH₄ hydrolysis owing to synergistic electronic and structural interactions at the heterojunction interface. These modifications enhance catalytic kinetics by optimizing the transition state for H₂ production.

Title

Modern Physics Letters B

Publisher

World Scientific

Publisher Country

Malaysia

Publication Type

Prtinted only

Volume

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Year

2026

Pages

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