Template-free synthesis of α-Ni(OH)2 hollow microspheres with flower-like morphology for high-performance supercapacitors

• We reported a promising approach for building on α-Ni(OH)2 microspheres with flower-like morphology without any soft- and hard-template.
• The structure of α-Ni(OH)2 microspheres seriously depends on the ratio of TBA/H2O.
• The α-Ni(OH)2 hollow microspheres gives an excellent pseudocapacitive performance.
• The study provides a promising approach for building on various hollow nanomaterials for supercapacitors.

Hollow electrode materials are of great charm due to their large surface area, low density, and superior structure permeability. The paper reported a new method for synthesis of α-Ni(OH)2 hollow microspheres not using any soft- or hard template. The α-Ni(OH)2 was prepared in the mixed solvent of tert-butanol (TBA) and water (H2O) by one-step hydrothermal synthesis. The structure of α-Ni(OH)2 depends on the ratio of TBA/H2O. When the volume ratio of TBA/H2O is about 9:1, the α-Ni(OH)2 exhibits hollow microsphere with flower-like morphology. The unique structure will greatly improve the faradaic redox reaction and mass transfer. The α-Ni(OH)2 electrode displays excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors. Its specific capacitance is up to 2480.7 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The capacitance can remain 91.6% at 10 A g−1 after 1500 cycles. The study also provides a promising approach for building on hollow nanomaterials for supercapacitor, Li-ion battery and other energy storage devices.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide