Flexible 3D core–shell nanoforest arrays trimetal electrode for high capacitance supercapacitor

Abstract

A supercapacitor electrode with high capacitance is mainly based on the careful design of nanostructures and the intelligent hybridization of custom active materials. Herein, we designed 3D core–shell nanoforest arrays with hierarchical structure which are directly grown on carbon cloth using a two-step bracket-hydrothermal method and electrodeposition process. Due to the advantages of large specific surface area, abundant pores and active sites, the structure of Mo–Co–Ni(nanotube)@Ni–Co(nanosheet) arrays can promote electrolyte penetration and ions diffusion, further improving the electrochemical performance. The 3D core–shell nanoforest arrays electrode shows outstanding electrochemical performance: a superb areal capacitance of 9.81 F cm−2 (1998.0 F g−1) at the current densities of 1 mA cm−2, as well as long cycle stability (after 3000 cycles maintains 85.4% of the highest capacitance value). This work may provide a promising method for design of flexible supercapacitor electrode materials.