Hydrothermal Coordination Research Articles

Composite poly(ethylene oxide)-based solid electrolyte with consecutive and fast ion transport channels constructed by upper-dimensional MIL-53(Al) nanofibers

Novel structural designs for metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are expected to improve ion-transport behavior in composite solid electrolytes. Herein, upper-dimensional MIL-53(Al) nanofibers (MNFs, MIL-53 belongs to the MIL (Material Institute Lavoisier) group) with flower-like nanoflake structures have been designed and constructed via modified hydrothermal coordination. The optimized MNFs with high surface area and porosity can form abundant interfaces with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix. The plasticization of MNFs to the PEO matrix will facilitate segmental movement of PEO chains to facilitate Li+ conduction. The unsaturated open metal centers of MNFs can effectively capture bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions (TFSI−) to deliver more free lithium ions for transfer. Moreover, the upper-dimensional nanofiber structure endows lithium ions with a long-range and consecutive transport pathway. The obtained composite solid electrolyte (MNFs@PEO) presents a high ionic conductivity of 4.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a great Li+ transference number of 0.4 at 60 °C. The electrolyte also exhibits a stable Li plating/stripping behavior over 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm−1 with inhibited Li dendrite growth. Furthermore, the Li/LiFePO4 and Li/LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 batteries with MNFs@PEO as electrolytes both display great cycling stabilities with high-capacity retention, indicating their potential applications in lithium metal batteries. The study will put forward new inspirations for designing advanced MOF-based composite solid electrolytes.

Application of chaos assisted sine cosine algorithm on wind–solar integrated hydrothermal scheduling problem

AbstractIn recent times, renewable energy sources are essential for generating low‐cost, pollution‐free power. Since the last two decades, hydrothermal coordination system has been used to fulfill the demand power. The traditional generating model's two biggest flaws are high generation cost and excessive fossil fuel emission. In the proposed work, generation process of traditional hydrothermal scheduling (HTS) has been improved by integrating wind–solar energy. To overcome current issues of HTS, that is, excessive emission and generation cost, hydrothermal–solar–wind scheduling (HTSWS) problem has been introduced where two wind and two solar power generating units have been considered with four hydro and three thermal power generating units. Here, effective performance of low cost‐emission based proposed HTSWS has been examined by using chaos‐based sine cosine algorithm (SCA) (CSCA). Chaos has been used in sine cosine function of SCA to improve searching process for finding global optimal results. The proposed CSCA has been used to investigate three separate situations of standard HTS and recommended HTSWS problems including generation cost, emission, and combined cost‐emission. The cost of generation and emissions from conventional HTS can be reduced by 11% and 68%, respectively, by the suggested renewable energy source‐based generation model. The results of several case studies of proposed HTSWS and standard HTS reveal that wind–solar energy is effective in the HTS issue, and chaos assists in the SCA to improve its optimization process. In this study, effectiveness and robustness of the CSCA have been demonstrated by comparing the CSCA‐based results to existing methods for the challenges under consideration.

A Data-Driven Representation of Aggregate Efficiency Curves of Hydro Units for the Mid-Term Hydrothermal Coordination Problem

A crucial aspect of the mid-term hydrothermal coordination problem is the nonlinear variation of hydro power with the water head, which can be computed through forebay and tailrace curves of the reservoirs. More accurate representations may also include turbine efficiency curves as a function of head and discharge, and penstock head losses as a function of turbined outflow. Based on large set of historical data for the operation of hydro plants, we propose a data-driven model to obtain such curves, which comprises: interpolation/extrapolation procedures to fill missing data and extreme regions of the curve; computation of average weekly values to avoid an optimistic behavior when using instantaneous curves for larger time intervals; an additive model with polynomial splines for curve fitting. The methodology was applied to the real Brazilian system, showing a significant improvement in the accuracy of the hydro production function, without sensitive changes on CPU time.

Synergistic effect of oxidation etching and phase transformation triggered by controllable ion-bath microenvironments toward constructing ultra-thin porous nanosheets for accelerated industrial water splitting at high current density

Precisely tailoring the structure of inorganic materials at the micron and nanometer scales, especially in collaboration with component customization to design efficient, stable and low-cost transition-metal-based catalysts for industrial electrocatalytic water splitting (EWS) is a key renewable energy technology, but still facing a daunting challenge. Here, the controllable escape of Ni atom is adopted to disturb the hydrothermal ion-bath environment, thereby resulting in the coexistence of high valence Ni and Fe ions. Combined with a one-step hydrothermal coordination strategy, the timeline-adjusted ion-bath microenvironment can effectively trigger the phase transformation of carbonate hydroxide hydrate nanosheets (NFCH) to nickel ferrite intercalated NFCH ultra-thin porous nanosheets (NF-CH-O). Thanks to the high-energy phase boundary synergistic effect and the rapid mass transfer advantages of ultra-thin porous nanostructures, the as-prepared NF-CH-O nanosheets exhibit remarkable oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction (OER/HER) catalytic activity and stability, with low overpotentials of 207/191 mV at 50 mA cm−2, respectively, as well as the activity retention for 100 h. The alkaline water electrolyzer set up with NF-CH-O as both anodic and cathodic electrodes only requires a cell potential of 1.688 V to reach 50 mA cm−2 in a continuous operation of 100 h. More impressively, NF-CH-O only requires overpotentials of 266, 292 mV and 1.877 V to drive high current densities up to 500 mA cm−2 for OER, HER and EWS, respectively, and exhibits excellent stability with a reduction in the activity of less than 10% over cycles of more than 65 h. This work highlights the room-temperature controllable ion-bath oxidative etching strategy to design efficient bifunctional catalysts with ultra-thin porous structure and high-current–density activity. Meanwhile, combined with the advantages of direct growth on the substrate for mass production, such meticulous consideration of nanostructured design will be more competitive in the H2-production industry.

Fe-atom-implantation induced regional phase reconstruction for high-entropy NixSy construction with diversified crystallographic orientations towards accelerated water splitting

High-entropy structure construction via diversifying crystallographic orientations based on atom-implantation-induced regional phase reconstruction is critical for high-efficiency electrochemical water splitting. Herein, we restructure the atomic arrangement around nickel active sites via iron-implantation-triggered locality phase restructuring from heazlewoodite Ni3S2 to godlevskite Ni9S8 and cerium substitution effect based on hydrothermal coordination strategy. As revealed, Fe-atom implantation can effectively trigger the phase conversion of heazlewoodite Ni3S2 into godlevskite Ni9S8, and the coexistence of heazlewoodite and godlevskite phases allows crystallographic orientation diversification. Phase interfaces further improve the electronic configuration of nickel active species. Combining this controllable phase restructuring and further Ce substitution strategy, the resultant high-entropy Fe,Ce-NixSy exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activities for water splitting. This study not only throws insight into the crystal phase transition protocol influenced by Fe-atom implantation but also attempts to merge controllable phase reconstruction and Ce substitution process to maximize their electrocatalytic performances for water splitting.

Mulching coordinated the seasonal soil hydrothermal relationships and promoted maize productivity in a semi-arid rainfed area on the Loess Plateau

Mulching can improve crop productivity in semi-arid regions by improving hydrothermal conditions. However, there is a lack of systematic understanding of hydrothermal coordination mechanisms in long-term field experiments, which is also critical for sustainable agricultural development. This experiment had four treatments: (1) plastic mulching (PM); (2) sand mulching (SM); (3) alternate plastic and sand mulching (PSM); and (4) without mulching (CK). The results showed that before sowing, the soil water storage in the 0–300 cm profile of the PM, SM, and PSM treatments increased by 20.4%, 13.9%, and 12.2% compared with CK, respectively. The water consumption was ranked in the order of PM > PSM > SM > CK in the filling stage; and the ≥ 10 ℃ accumulated soil temperature in PM, SM, and PSM increased by 126.9 ℃, 58.3 ℃, and 77.3 ℃ in the seedling–jointing stage compared with CK, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between maize growth rate and ≥ 10 ℃ accumulated soil temperature in all treatments in the seedling–tasseling stage, and the response sensitivities of maize growth rate to ≥ 10 ℃ accumulated soil temperature of PM, SM, and PSM were highest in seedling–jointing, jointing–tasseling, and filling stages, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between maize growth rate and seasonal water consumption, and response sensitivity was ranked in the order of PM > PSM > SM > CK in the seedling–jointing, jointing–tasseling, and tasseling–filling stages and PM < PSM < SM < CK in the filling stage. The seasonal water consumption in the jointing–tasseling stage was most critical to yield formation, and mulching reduced this response sensitivity. After 10 years of cropping, the soil water storage in the 0–300 cm profile decreased by 230.8, 202.9, 243.8, and 228.2 mm in the PM, SM, PSM, and CK treatments, respectively. The mulching practices coordinated soil hydrothermal relationships, with yield and water use efficiency (WUE) ranked in the order of PM > PSM > SM > CK for annual precipitation of 323.1–418.3 mm, and significantly differing (P < 0.05). The yield and WUE of PM and PSM did not significantly differ for annual precipitation of 484.4–533.3 mm and were significantly higher than those for SM and CK. These indicated that PM should be preferentially adopted in areas with rainfall below 420 mm, and the PSM in areas with rainfall above 420 mm, resulting in higher yield and WUE and less plastic film pollution.

Solar-driven photoelectron injection effect on MgCo2O4@WO3 core–shell heterostructure for efficient overall water splitting

By integrating the light-absorbing semiconductor materials into the electrocatalytic network, using the photogenerated-carrier-driven strategy, and thus permitting solar energy to operate as the extra driving force, the efficiency of electrocatalytic water splitting (EWS) is expected to be improved. However, the rational plot of such integrated catalytic system remains an enormous challenge due to the spatial disparity between photocatalytic components and electrocatalytic components. Herein, a MgCo2O4@WO3 core–shell heterostructure (MCW CSHS) is constructed by the simple one-step hydrothermal coordination of the spinel oxide MgCo2O4 (as the electron acceptor) and the WO3 semiconductor (as the electron donor). The cogitatively designed MCW CSHS catalyst can effectively eliminate the spatial disparity between the two above functional components and provide significantly increased surface area and roughness, which can enhance light absorption by restraining diffuse reflection and promoting electron transfer in EWS. Under solar illumination, the electrocatalytic activity of MCW CSHS is significantly improved due to the electronic structure regulation, yielding 50 mA·cm−2 at overpotentials of 243 mV for oxygen evolution reactions and 161 mV for hydrogen evolution reactions in 1 M KOH. The solar energy enhanced electrochemical system based on bifunctional materials has a broad application prospect in the efficient H2 production by EWS.

Advantageous metal-atom-escape towards super-hydrophilic interfaces assembly for efficient overall water splitting

Controllably constructing the functional microscopic surfaces, especially via the escape of metal atoms from extremely stable texture to achieve super-hydrophilic interfaces, as efficient bifunctional catalysts for water splitting is a daunting challenge but critical for sustainable economic development. Based on hydrothermal coordination strategy, we take advantage of strong oxidizing property of nitrate ions to realize temperature-controllable atom-escape of metal Ni for self-assembling super-hydrophilic hydroxide FeNi–OH on nickel base as electrocatalysts of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Such distinctive Ni source, resulting in improved ohmic contact and mechanical robustness of catalysts, in conjunction with super-hydrophilicity-accelerated bubble separation and electrolyte contact, endows the catalyst with excellent electrocatalytical activity for both HER and OER in alkaline solution. Super-hydrophilic FeNi–OH delivers the current density of 50 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 236 mV for OER and 196 mV for HER. Water electrolysis with FeNi–OH as anode and cathode demands a cell voltage of 1.664 V to drive 50 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, continuously operating for 25 h. This study opens up an avenue in establishing super-hydrophilic structure via self-assembly of the escaped atoms, broadening the horizon on low-cost iron-containing catalyst preparation for energy conversions.

Water-energy nexus in African power pools – The Dispa-SET Africa model

The operation and economic profitability of modern energy systems is constrained by the availability of renewable energy and water resources. Lower water availability due to climate change, higher demand and increased water consumption for non-energy and energy needs may cause problems in Africa. In most African power systems, hydropower is a dominant renewable energy resource, and interconnection capacities are usually limited or unreliable. This paper describes a new modelling framework for analysing the water-energy nexus in the African Power Pools. This framework includes soft linking between two models: the LISFLOOD model is used to generate hydrological inputs and the Dispa-SET model is used for mid-term hydrothermal coordination and optimal unit commitment and power dispatch over the whole African continent. The results show a good agreement between the model outputs and the historical values, despite data-related limitations. Furthermore, the simulations provide hourly time series of electricity generation at the plant level in a robust way. It appears that some African power pools heavily rely on the availability of freshwater resources, while others are less dependent. In the long term, the dependence of the power system on water resources is likely to increase to meet the increasing electricity demand in Africa.

Experimental and computational investigation of Cu–N coordination bond strengthened polyaniline for stable energy storage

Cu–N coordination bond strengthened polyaniline (PANI-Cu) grown on carbon paper is designed to improve capacitive performance of conductive polymer supercapacitor. The cross-linking porous PANI-Cu nanofibers are synthesized via electro-polymerization and hydrothermal coordination process. Cu–N coordination bond strengthens interaction of PANI polymer molecular chain, contributing to improving its cycling stability. Copper cation with high redox potential promotes the conversion from benzene ring to quinone ring of PANI, contributing to improving its electroactivity. In comparison with PANI, PANI-Cu presents specific capacitance increasing from 350 to 825 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, rate capacitance retention increasing from 78 to 84% at a raising current density of 1–10 A g−1, cycling capacitance retention increasing from 61 to 91% at 5 A g−1 for 1000 cycles, rate capacitance recovery increasing from 84.0 to 96.7% at a recovering current density of 10–1 A g−1. The simulation calculation reveals that PANI-Cu has higher density of state (4.70 eV) at Fermi energy level, lower proton doping energy (− 5.56 eV) and lower molecule orbital energy gap (0.43 eV) than PANI (3.50 eV, − 2.41 eV, 0.91 eV). The computational results of higher conductivity agree with electrochemical measurement results of higher current response and capacitance, proving superior electroactivity of PANI-Cu. Flexible PANI-Cu supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 62.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 900 W kg−1 and capacity retention of 87% at 5 A g−1 for 1000 cycles, presenting stable energy storage application.

A Novel Lagrangian Multiplier Update Algorithm for Short-Term Hydro-Thermal Coordination

The backbone of a conventional electrical power generation system relies on hydro-thermal coordination. Due to its intrinsic complex, large-scale and constrained nature, the feasibility of a direct approach is reduced. With this limitation in mind, decomposition methods, particularly Lagrangian relaxation, constitutes a consolidated choice to “simplify” the problem. Thus, translating a relaxed problem approach indirectly leads to solutions of the primal problem. In turn, the dual problem is solved iteratively, and Lagrange multipliers are updated between each iteration using subgradient methods. However, this class of methods presents a set of sensitive aspects that often require time-consuming tuning tasks or to rely on the dispatchers’ own expertise and experience. Hence, to tackle these shortcomings, a novel Lagrangian multiplier update adaptative algorithm is proposed, with the aim of automatically adjust the step-size used to update Lagrange multipliers, therefore avoiding the need to pre-select a set of parameters. A results comparison is made against two traditionally employed step-size update heuristics, using a real hydrothermal scenario derived from the Portuguese power system. The proposed adaptive algorithm managed to obtain improved performances in terms of the dual problem, thereby reducing the duality gap with the optimal primal problem.

A modified incremental gravitational search algorithm for short-term hydrothermal scheduling with variable head

In this study, the solution of short-term hydrothermal coordination problem (STHCP) with variable head was performed. In the manuscript, incremental gravitational search algorithm (IGSA) which was developed as a new method has been applied to two different power problems. One of the systems used as an example is a variable head STHCP which has previously been solved in the literature by neglecting transmission line losses. The second is a lossy system designed as a variable head STHCP, with the purpose of contributing to the literature. In the lossy system, Newton–Raphson AC power flow method was used to calculate transmission line losses. Possible electrical and hydraulic constraints in the solution of the problem were satisfied using the penalty function method. The results obtained from the solutions of the sample systems were compared and discussed.

Short-term Hydro-thermal Coordination By Lagrangian Relaxation: A New Algorithm for the Solution of the Dual Problem

For decades, researchers have been studying the unit commitment problem in electrical power generation. To solve this complex, large scale and constrained optimization (primal) problem in a direct manner is not a feasible approach, which is where Lagrangian relaxation comes in as the answer. The dual Lagrangian problem translates a relaxed problem approach, that indirectly leads to solutions of the original (primal) problem. In the coordination problem, a decomposition takes place where the global solution is achieved by coordinating between the respective subproblems solutions. This dual problem is solved iteratively, and Lagrange multipliers are updated between each iteration using subgradient methods. To tackle, time-consuming tuning tasks or user related experience, a new adaptative algorithm, is proposed to better adjust the step-size used to update Lagrange multipliers, i.e., avoid the need to pre-select a set of parameters. A results comparison against a traditionally employed step-size update mechanism, showed that the adaptive algorithm manages to obtain improved performances in terms of the targeted primal problem.&#x0D; Keywords: Hydro-Thermal coordination, Lagrangian relaxation, Lagrangian dual problem, Lagrange multipliers, Subgradient methods

A Reservoir Operation Policy Using Inter-Basin Water Transfer for Maximizing Hydroelectric Benefits in Brazil

The Hydrothermal Coordination problem consists of determining an operation policy for hydroelectric and thermoelectric plants within a given planning horizon. In systems with a predominance of hydraulic generation, the operation policy to be adopted should specify the operation of hydroelectric plants, so that hydroelectric resources are used economically and reliably. This work proposes the implementation of reservoir operation rules, using inter-basin water transfer through an optimization model based on Network Flow and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The proposed algorithm aims to obtain an optimized operation policy of power generation reservoirs and consequently to maximize the hydroelectric benefits of the hydrothermal generation system, to reduce the use of thermoelectric plants, the importation and/or energy deficit and to reduce the cost associated with meeting the demand and reduce CO2 emissions from combustion of fossil fuels used by thermoelectric plants. In order to illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach, it was evaluated by optimizing two case studies using a system with four hydroelectric plants. The first case study does not consider transfer and water and the second case study uses water transfer between rivers. The obtained results illustrate that the proposed model allowed to maximize the hydroelectric resources of a hydrothermal generation system with economy and reliability.

A long-term unit commitment problem with hydrothermal coordination for economic and emission control in large-scale electricity systems

The paper describes a long-term scheduling problem for thermal power plants and energy storages. In addition, renewable energy sources are integrated by considering the residual demand. Besides the classical minimization of the production costs, emission-related costs are taken into account. Thereby, emission costs are determined by market prices for hbox {CO}_2 emission certificates (i.e., using the EU emissions trading system). For the proposed unit commitment problem with hydrothermal coordination for economic and emission control, an enhanced mixed-integer linear programming model is presented. Moreover, a new heuristic approach is developed, which consists of two solution stages. The heuristic first performs an isolated dispatching of thermal plants. Then, a re-optimization stage is included in order to embed activities of energy storages into the final solution schedule. The considered approach is able to find outstanding schedules for benchmark instances with a planning horizon of up to one year. Furthermore, promising results are also obtained for large-scale real-world electricity systems. For the German electricity market, the relationship of hbox {CO}_2 certificate prices and the optimal thermal dispatch is illustrated by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis.

Electrochemical Performance of Manganese Coordinated Polyaniline

AbstractManganese (II) coordinated polyaniline (PANI‐Mn) is designed as an energy‐storage electrode to improve electrochemical cycling stability of conductive polymer‐based supercapacitors. A PANI‐Mn electrode is synthesized through electro‐polymerization and hydrothermal coordination processes. A tetrahedron coordination structure is formed between manganese (II) dichloride and neighboring imino nitrogen to enforce the bonding strength of conjoint aniline units, restraining excessive volume expansion of the PANI molecule chain. Specific capacitance is enhanced from 350 F g−1 of PANI to 810 F g−1 of PANI‐Mn at 1 A g−1. Cycling capacitance retention is improved from 61% of PANI to 88% of PANI‐Mn at 5 A g−1 for 1000 cycles. PANI‐Mn shows larger response current than PANI at the same potential. First principle calculations prove that PANIs‐Mn exhibits higher density of state at Fermi level than PANI. The conjugated electron delocalization is strengthened in transitional metal‐coordinated conductive polymer, causing the improved conductivity of PANI‐Mn. Furthermore, an all‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor based on a PANI‐Mn electrode exhibits an energy density of 51.38 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 850 W kg−1 and a considerable cycling life of 82% after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1. PANI‐Mn coordination polymer exhibits enhanced electrochemical stability, thus showing promise for energy storage application.

Theoretical and Experimental Comparison of Electrical Properties of Nickel(II) Coordinated and Protonated Polyaniline

Nickel(II) coordinated and protonated polyaniline (H-PANI-Ni) was prepared through cyclic voltammetry electropolymerization-protonation and then hydrothermal coordination processes. The dispersion-...

A hydrothermal coordination model for electricity markets: theory and practice in the case of the Greek electricity market regulatory framework

The generation portfolio of the Greek Mainland Electricity System mainly consists of various types of thermoelectric (using fossil fuels: natural gas and lignite) as well as hydroelectric units (impoundment, pumped storage, run of river). Regarding their fuel consumption, thermoelectric units have a large variable cost compared to hydroelectric, which is almost zero, as derived by their advantage of fueling their operation with water. Moreover, as fossil fuel price variation does not correlate to water’s value a significant trade-off is created. Due to that trade-off the use of energy sources (natural gas, lignite or water), without consideration of cost minimization, may always lead to waste and to significant losses. Demand’s variation along with its sudden peaks, as well as the uncertainty of water availability, impose the use of a specialized mathematical model for the optimal handling of the generation portfolio. Load cover should be achieved by a non-constant portfolio over time, of hydro and thermals, coordinated by an algorithm in such a way as to achieve cost minimization. The main target of such a model is the normality of operation, safeguarded by specific technical, operational and economic constraints fulfilling the objective of cost minimization. Optimization of this type can be characterized as hydrothermal coordination problem, which in our case takes the form of a Mixed Integer Programming Model. The innovative character of this model, is that in a time efficient way, it finds the optimal solution, while keeping complexity at very low level, forcing hydroelectric units to maximize production at the peaks of the load, when marginal cost of thermal’s is at the highest point, making the most economical utilization of water resources. Such an algorithm while it achieves significant economies regarding the cash flows and the fuel-quantities (fossils, water for agricultural purposes), delivers heavy support to management for market policy and operational decision-making.

Gravitational search algorithm applied to fixed head hydrothermal power system with transmission line security constraints

Optimal operation and production planning are important problems for electric power generation systems. Optimal operation of an energy generation system conventionally refers to the minimization of total thermal fuel cost (TTFC). However, the presence of thermal and hydraulic generation units in a power system requires that hydraulic as well as thermal constraints be added to a problem, which is referred to as a short term hydrothermal coordination problem (STHCP). STHCPs assume that the amount of water in the reservoirs of a hydraulic generation unit has no effect on power generation when its net heads are fixed. This study applied a gravitational search algorithm (GSA) for the solution of a STHCP with fixed head. The probable electrical and hydraulic constraints of the problem have been provided by punishment function method. Line losses of the power system were calculated using the Newton-Raphson load flow method. Two different cases, where transfer capacities of transmission lines were neglected and included, were set up, and the problem was solved for both cases. Transfer capacities of transmission lines were included to make the problem more complex and realistic. Solutions for both cases were discussed.

Electrochemical cycling stability of nickel (II) coordinated polyaniline

The nickel (II) coordinated polyaniline (PANI-Ni) was designed as active electrode material to improve electrochemical cycling stability of conductive polymer-based supercapacitors. The conductive coordination polymer of PANI-Ni was formed to grow on the substrate of carbon paper through the hydrothermal coordination reaction between Ni(Ac)2 and PANI. PANI-Ni with intrachain and interchain coordination structure could reinforce the polymer molecule chain strength to overcome volumetric swelling and shrinking during charge/discharge process. The specific capacitance was obviously improved from 234.5 F g−1 for bare PANI to 417 F g−1 for PANI-Ni in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte at a current density of 1 A g−1 and a potential window of 0.8 V. PANI-Ni electrode shows the cycling capacitance retention of 93% after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1. It also showed low capacitance loss of only 12% when the current density increased from 1 to 5 A g−1, presenting high rate capability. The symmetric PANI-Ni supercapacitor was constructed using PANI-Ni electrode and H2SO4 involved polyvinyl alcohol gel electrolyte. PANI-Ni supercapacitor showed the cycling capacitance retention of 83% after 1000 cycles at an output voltage of 1.7 V and a current density of 5 A g−1. PANI-Ni conductive coordination polymer presents the promising application prospect of supercapacitor.