Facile construction of three-dimensional NiCo2S4 with tremella-like morphology for high-performance supercapacitors

•Microwave approach is used to prepare ultrathin hydroxide.•The ultrathin hydroxide then is changed into tremella-shaped NiCo2S4.•The NiCo2S4 shows a 3D overall interconnected framework.•The feature is good to mass and electron transfer during electrode reaction.•A superior capacitive performance was delivered.

The microwave approach along with hydrothermal treatment was used for the fabrication of NiCo2S4 for high-performance supercapacitors. The as-fabricated NiCo2S4 shows a three-dimensional structure with tremella-like morphology. The unique architecture creates an ultra-fast electron transfer and electrolyte transport during the electrochemical reaction. The NiCo2S4 electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 1410.7 F/g at 1 A/g. The capacitance retention reaches 92.7% at 20 A/g after 3000 cycles.

Graphical abstractThe study reported the synthesis of tremella-like NiCo2S4 for supercapacitors. Microwave method is used to prepare ultrathin nickel/cobalt hydroxide, which then reacts with Na2S·9H2O by a hydrothermal method to obtain tremella-like NiCo2S4. The unique configuration is much benefical to fast electron and mass transfer during electrode reaction. Thus, the NiCo2S4 delivers a superior capacitive property.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide