NiO layers grown on a Ni substrate by galvanostatic anodization as a positive electrode material for aqueous hybrid capacitors

Abstract

A NiO positive electrode for aqueous hybrid capacitors was prepared by a new galvanostatic anodization method. A thin sheet of heat-treated Ni was galvanostatically oxidized in aqueous 85% H3PO4 containing 0.5 M NH4F. During the anodization, the thickness of the Ni metal sheet decreased from 10 to 2 μm and 2- to 3-μm-thick NiO layers were formed on both sides of the Ni metal sheet. A hybrid capacitor comprising the anodized NiO positive electrode, an activated carbon negative electrode, and aqueous 10 M KOH exhibited a maximum specific energy of 16 W h kg−1 and a specific power of 22.2 kW kg−1.