Two-step electrodeposition synthesis of heterogeneous NiCo-layered double hydroxides@MoO3 nanocomposites on nickel foam with high performance for hybrid supercapacitors

Optimisation of Mo doping to form NiCoMo ternary sulphides for high performance charge storage

Multi-component synergy and the rational design of structures are effective methods for preparing electrode materials for high-performance energy storage devices. Transition metal-based hydroxides offer advantages such as a large specific surface area, large interlayer spacing, multiple redox states, and high theoretical capacity, making them commonly used as positive materials for supercapacitors. However, challenges like low conductivity and severe agglomeration limit their practical application. This study focuses on the preparation of Ni, Co, and Mo ternary transition metal hydroxides by incorporating the Mo element to optimize their structure. Furthermore, sulfide ions were utilized in an ion exchange process to replace hydroxides, resulting in the formation of NiCoMo ternary sulfide electrode materials. By adjusting the amount of Mo added, a spherical nanoneedle-shaped N2C1MS0.2-2 electrode material was successfully synthesized. This electrode exhibited a specific capacity of 2094 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled with activated carbon as the negative electrode and N2C1MS0.2-2 as the positive electrode, which had an energy density of 46.2 W h kg-1 at a power density of 800 W kg-1, a capacity retention of 89.7% and a coulombic efficiency of 97.8% after 10 000 cycles. This study provides a reference for the design and preparation of ternary sulphide electrode materials.

Atomic Scale Optimization Strategy of Al-Based Layered Double Hydroxide for Alkali Stability and Supercapacitors

The pseudocapacitor material is easily decomposed when immersed in alkaline solution for a long time. Hence, it is necessary to find a strategy to improve the alkali stability of pseudocapacitor materials. In addition, the relationship between alkali stability and electrochemical performance is still unclear. In this work, a series of Al-based LDH (Layered double hydroxide) and derived Ni/Co-based sulfides are prepared, and corresponding alkali stability and electrochemical performance are analyzed. The alkali stability of CoAl LDH is so poor and can be improved effectively by doping of Ni. Ni₁Co₂S₄ and Ni₂Co₁Al LDH exhibit an outstanding alkali stability, and Ni₂Co₁S₄ exhibits an extremely poor alkali stability. The variable valence state of Co element and the solubility of Al in alkali solution are the fundamental reasons for the poor alkali stability of CoAl LDH and Ni₂Co₁S₄. Ni₂Co₁S₄ showed an outstanding electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system, which is better than that of Ni₁Co₂S₄, indicating that there is no direct correlation between alkali stability and electrochemical properties. Sulfidation improved the electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity of electrode materials, whereas alkali etching suppressed the occurrence of the electrochemical reaction. Overall, this work provides a clear perspective to understand the relationship between alkali stability and electrochemical properties.

Effect of Hydrothermal Method Temperature on the Spherical Flowerlike Nanostructures NiCo(OH)4-NiO

NiCo(OH)4-NiO composite electrode materials were prepared using hydrothermal deposition and electrophoretic deposition. NiCo(OH)4 is spherical and flowerlike, composed of nanosheets, and NiO is deposited on the surface of NiCo(OH)4 in the form of nanorods. NiCo(OH)4 has a large specific surface area and can provide more active sites. Synergistic action with NiO deposits on the surface can provide a higher specific capacitance. In order to study the influence of hydrothermal reaction temperature on the properties of NiCo(OH)4, the prepared materials of NiCo(OH)4-NiO, the hydrothermal reaction temperatures of 70 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, and 110 °C were used for comparison. The results showed that the NiCo(OH)4-NiO-90 specific capacitance of the prepared electrode material at its maximum when the hydrothermal reaction temperature is 90 °C. The specific capacitance of the NiCo(OH)4-NiO-90 reaches 2129 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 and remains 84% after 1000 charge–discharge cycles.