NiO nanoplates for energy storage application: Role of electrolyte concentration on the energy storage property

Abstract

Here in, synthesis of NiO nanoplates by employing a mixed solvent system under solvothermal method followed by calcining the obtained product nickel hydroxide in air is reported. Diffraction, microscopic, and spectroscopic results confirmed the formation of NiO phase. The as synthesized NiO nanoplates are tested as a robust material for energy storage applications. The effect of electrolyte concentration on the capacitive behavior of NiO is studied thoroughly. The outcome from the electrochemical analysis reveals that NiO nanoplates have a high specific capacity value of 108.4 C g−1 (270 F g−1) in 6 M KOH electrolyte and the value decreases to 85.0 C g−1 (212.5 F g−1) and 78.2 C g−1 (195.5 F g−1) for 4 M, and 2 M KOH electrolyte, respectively. The resistance values also decreased with increase in the KOH concentration. The better electrochemical performance depicted by the 6 M KOH electrolyte is mainly ascribed to the availability of plenty of OH− ions in the electrolyte solution, which helped in the proper wettability of the sample so that the OH− ions can participate to higher extent during the electrochemical redox reactions, due to which the observed charge storage capacity is more in higher electrolyte concentration and vice-versa. Thus, the results suggest the usefulness of this material for energy storage applications.