Nickel/cobalt layered double hydroxide hollow microspheres with hydrangea-like morphology for high-performance supercapacitors

We report a new template synthesis of nickel/cobalt layered double hydroxides (Ni/Co-LDH) without any adscititious alkali source, oxidant and step for removal of the template. The perfect match between generation rate of Ni/Co-LDH nanoflakes and removal rate of template creates elaborate three-dimensional architecture with well-defined hollow interior and hydrangea-like exterior. The unique structure improves faradaic redox reaction and mass transfer during the redox process, thus the Ni/Co-LDH electrode provides excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors.