Building layered NixCo2x(OH)6x nanosheets decorated three-dimensional Ni frameworks for electrochemical applications

Abstract

To achieve high electrochemical performance in energy storage and conversion devices, transition metal hydroxides electrode materials need enhancing their intrinsic poor conductivity and fully utilizing their unexploited active sites. Accordingly, a simple and effective strategy is developed to synthesize layered NixCo2x(OH)6x nanosheets using dual three-dimensional Ni as structural and conductive support system. Owing to highly electrical conductivity, rich of interconnected ion/electron transport pathways, and robust structure stability, NixCo2x(OH)6x@Ni electrode exhibits remarkably high specific capacitance, excellent rate capability, and superior cycle stability. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor assembled by NixCo2x(OH)6x@Ni and activated carbon/carbon nanotube achieves a large working voltage window of 1.5 V, a high energy density (≈44.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 750 W kg−1) and outstanding long-term cycle ability (remaining 100% of the initial Csp after 5000 cycles). Furthermore, the NixCo2x(OH)6x@Ni as an oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst shows small onset overpotential (263 mV), low Tafel slope (78 mV dec−1), large anodic current density of 30 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 336 mV and prominent electrochemical durability.