Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes electrodeposited on Ni foam-supported vertically oriented graphene nanosheets for application in asymmetric supercapacitors

•Ni(OH)2/vertically oriented graphene nanosheets (V-GNs) was prepared.•Ni(OH)2/V-GNs had enhanced specific capacitance, cycling reversibility and stability.•Performance of Ni(OH)2/GNs/NF-AC asymmetric supercapacitor was studied.

Binderless Ni(OH)2 nanoflakes grown on Ni foam (NF)-supported vertically oriented graphene nanosheets (V-GNs) has been fabricated as a positive electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), coupled with activated carbon (AC) as a counter electrode material. The introduction of V-GNs leads to dense growth of nanocrystalline β-Ni(OH)2 that is confirmed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses. The electrochemical performances of the Ni(OH)2/GNs/NF electrode are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge tests, which exhibit high specific capacitance of 2215 F g−1 at a scan current density of 2.3 A g−1, enhanced cycling stability and high rate capability. The Ni(OH)2/GNs/NF-AC-based ASC can achieve a cell voltage of 1.4 V and a specific energy density of 11.11 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 mA cm−2 with a nearly 100% coulombic efficiency at room temperature.

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