The layered structures of graphene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) can enable synergetic binary systems with transition metal oxides, making them promising candidates for high-rate lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, an NiCo2O4/rGO nanosheet network was synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method followed by calcination. The results of this study demonstrate that the hybrid structure possessed a higher specific surface area (∼121 m2 g-1) than pristine NiCo2O4 (∼77 m2 g-1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed the enhanced kinetics of the NiCo2O4/rGO nanosheet network, making it highly suitable for lithium storage. The developed electrode delivered an initial discharge capacity of ∼1760 mAh g-1 at 50 mA g-1 and exhibited an excellent reversible capacity of ∼867 mAh g-1 at 300 mA g-1 after 100 cycles, with a coulombic efficiency of 86%. Furthermore, the electrode demonstrated outstanding cyclic stability, retaining ∼97% of its capacity after 800 cycles. This significantly improved performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of NiCo2O4 and rGO, as well as the enhanced charge-transfer kinetics. These findings suggest that NiCo2O4/rGO hybrid structures can play a vital role in the development of efficient and sustainable energy-storage solutions.
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