Synthesis and Electrochemical Investigations of Ni[sub 1−x]O Thin Films and Ni[sub 1−x]O on Three-Dimensional Carbon Substrates for Electrochemical Capacitors

Abstract

Nickel oxide/carbon nanotube film nanocomposite electrodes for electrochemical capacitors were prepared by electrochemically precipitating nickel hydroxide onto a CNT film substrate and heating it in air at . For comparison, nickel oxide thin film and nickel oxide/carbon paper ( paper) electrodes were also prepared via electrochemical route. The nickel oxide layers ( thickness) in the film electrode were coated uniformly on the surface of the individual CNTs, constructing a 3D nanoporous network structure through the entire thickness of the film. In comparison to the thin film and paper electrodes, the film electrode showed a very high specific capacitance of with a high rate capability in KOH. The film electrode also showed a good cycle life during in KOH. The high specific capacitance and good power characteristics of the nanocomposite electrode can be attributed to the construction of an electrode with a very thin film of electroactive materials with a nanometer thickness on a CNT film substrate with a 3D nanoporous network structure.