β-Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles@activated sugarcane bagasse carbon nanocomposites as an advanced hybrid electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors

Abstract

β-Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles (NPs)@activated sugarcane bagasse carbon (ASBC) nanocomposites (N@ASBC NCps) with different Ni loadings were synthesized using a hydrothermal process. The products were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy (FE-SEM and TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Electrochemical performance of the products was studied. Interestingly, the maximum specific capacitance of 1213.32 F/g at 1 A/g could be achieved in a 3N@ASBC NCps positive electrode. Concurrently, the ASBC negative electrode revealed a high specific capacitance of 233.34 F/g at 1 A/g. Additionally, the fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), ASC-ASBC//3N@ASBC NCps, had a specific capacitance (Csc) of 34.03 F/g at 1 A/g with a specific energy density (Ed) and specific power density (Pd) of 9.93 Wh/kg and 181.26 W/kg, respectively. Moreover, the device could maintain 69.47% of its capacity after a 5000-cycle test.