NH4V4O10 nanobelts vertically grown on 3D TiN nanotube arrays as high-performance electrode materials of supercapacitors

High performance supercapacitor without binders has attracted wide attention as an energy storage device. In this work, novel NH₄V₄O₁₀ nanobelts were successfully synthesized and decorated into TiN nanotube arrays by a simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared no-binder electrode hybrids exhibited excellent electrochemical performances with a specific capacitance of 749.0 F g⁻¹ at 5 mV s⁻¹ and a capacity retention of 85.7% after 200 cycles, which makes it an appealing candidate for electrode materials of supercapacitors.

NH₄V₄O₁₀ nanobelts were synthesized and decorated into TiN nanotube arrays as supercapacitor electrode with a specific capacitance of 749.0 F g⁻¹ at 5 mV s⁻¹ and a capacity retention of 85.7% after 200 cycles.     

Solvothermal synthesis of NiWO4 nanostructure and its application as a cathode material for asymmetric supercapacitors

This study proposes a facile solvothermal synthesis of nickel tungstate (NiWO₄) nanowires for application as a novel cathode material for supercapacitors. The structure, morphology, surface area and pore distribution were characterized and their capacitive performances were investigated. The results showed that the NiWO₄ nanowires synthesized in ethylene glycol solvent could offer a high specific capacitance of 1190 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ and a capacitance retaining ratio of 61.5% within 0.5–10 A g⁻¹. When used as a cathodic electrode of an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC), the NiWO₄ nanowire based device can be cycled reversibly in a high-voltage region of 0–1.7 V with a high specific capacitance of 160 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, which therefore contributed to an energy density of 64.2 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 425 W kg⁻¹. Moreover, 92.8% of its initial specific capacitance can be maintained after 5000 consecutive cycles (5 A g⁻¹). These excellent capacitive properties make NiWO₄ a credible electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.

This study proposes a facile solvothermal synthesis of nickel tungstate (NiWO₄) nanowires for application as a novel cathode material for supercapacitors.     

A facile method to synthesize CoV2O6 as a high-performance supercapacitor cathode

Transition metal oxides can easily lose electrons and thus possess multiple accessible valences. Especially, if two different transition metals are combined, better capacity and cycling stability are achieved. In this study, a binary transition metal oxide, CoV₂O₆, was synthesized via a facile co-precipitation process for use as a supercapacitor cathode; the as-synthesized CoV₂O₆ exhibited high-capacity (306.6 F g⁻¹, 1 A g⁻¹ and 219.2 F g⁻¹, 20 A g⁻¹) and stable cycling stability, retaining 83.3% of its initial specific capacitance after 20 000 cycles. We believe that this facile synthesis process presents an effective method and a new opportunity for promoting the application of electrode materials based on binary transition metal oxides in supercapacitors.

A facile chemical co-precipitation process to synthesize CoV₂O₆, which exhibits high capacity and cycling stability (83.3% after 20 000 cycles).     

Facile synthesis of g-C3N4 quantum dots/graphene hydrogel nanocomposites for high-performance supercapacitor

This work demonstrates a facile one-pot method for preparing graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) quantum dots/graphene hydrogel (CNQ/GH) nanocomposites using a hydrothermal process, in which graphene sheets of a graphene hydrogel (GH) are decorated with g-C₃N₄ quantum dots (CNQDs) and have a 3D hierarchical and interconnected structure through a typical self-assembly process. The obtained CNQ/GH nanocomposite demonstrates improved electrochemical performances of a supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 243.2 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹. In addition, the fabricated symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) using CNQ/GH electrodes exhibits a high energy density of 22.5 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 250 W kg⁻¹ and a superior cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 89.5% after 15 000 cycles. The observed improvements in the electrochemical performance of CNQ/GH electrodes are attributed to the large surface area with abundant mesopores and various C–N bonds in CNQDs, which promote efficient ion diffusion of electrolyte and electron transfer and provide more active sites for faradaic reactions. These obtained results demonstrate a facile and efficient route to develop potential electrode materials for high-performance energy storage device applications.

This work demonstrates a facile one-pot synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) quantum dots/graphene hydrogel (CNQ/GH) nanocomposites using a hydrothermal process, which shows excellent electrochemical performances for supercapacitors.     

Nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon derived from a chitosan/polyethylene glycol blend for high performance supercapacitors

Nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon (NHPC) materials were synthesized by using a chitosan/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blend as raw material through a facile carbonization–activation process. In this method, chitosan was used as a nitrogen-containing carbon precursor, low cost and large-scale commercial PEG was employed as a porogen. The physical and electrochemical properties of the resultant NHPC were affected by the ratio of chitosan and PEG. The sample obtained by the ratio of 3 : 2 exhibits a high specific surface area (2269 m² g⁻¹), moderate nitrogen doping (3.22 at%) and optimized pore structure. It exhibits a high specific capacitance of 356 F g⁻¹ in 1 M H₂SO₄ and 271 F g⁻¹ in 2 M KOH at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, and over 230 F g⁻¹ can be still retained at a high current density of 20 A g⁻¹ in both electrolytes. Additionally, the assembled symmetric supercapacitors show an excellent cycling stability with 94% (in 1 M H₂SO₄) and 97% (in 2 M KOH) retention after 10 000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹. These results indicate that the chitosan/PEG blend can act as a novel and appropriate precursor to prepare low-cost NHPC materials for high-performance supercapacitors.

NHPC was prepared from a low cost chitosan/PEG blend by a facile method for high performance supercapacitors.     

A facile strategy for the synthesis of graphene/V2O5 nanospheres and graphene/VN nanospheres derived from a single graphene oxide-wrapped VOx nanosphere precursor for hybrid supercapacitors

It remains a challenge to develop a facile approach to prepare positive and negative electrode materials with good electrochemical performance for application in hybrid supercapacitors. In this study, based on a facile strategy, a single graphene oxide-wrapped VO_x nanosphere precursor is transformed into both electrodes through different thermal treatments (i.e., graphene/VN nanospheres negative electrode materials and graphene/V₂O₅ nanospheres positive electrode materials) for hybrid supercapacitors. The conformally wrapped graphene has a significant influence on the electrochemical performance of VN and V₂O₅, deriving from the simultaneous improvements in electronic conductivity, structural stability, and electrolyte transport. Benefitting from these merits, the as-prepared graphene/VN nanospheres and graphene/V₂O₅ nanospheres exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for HSCs with high specific capacitance (83 F g⁻¹) and good long cycle life (90% specific capacitance retained after 7000 cycles). Furthermore, graphene/VN nanospheres//graphene/V₂O₅ nanosphere HSCs can deliver a high energy density of 35.2 W h kg⁻¹ at 0.4 kW kg⁻¹ and maintain about 70% high energy density even at a high power density of 8 kW kg⁻¹. Such impressive results of the hybrid supercapacitors show great potential in vanadium-based electrode materials for promising applications in high performance energy storage systems.

It remains a challenge to develop a facile approach to prepare positive and negative electrode materials with good electrochemical performance for application in hybrid supercapacitors.     

Free-standing graphene/bismuth vanadate monolith composite as a binder-free electrode for symmetrical supercapacitors

Preparation of new types of electrode material is of great importance to supercapacitors. Herein, a graphene/bismuth vanadate (GR/BiVO₄) free-standing monolith composite has been prepared via a hydrothermal process. Flexible GR sheets act as a skeleton in the GR/BiVO₄ monolith composites. When used as a binder-free electrode in a three-electrode system, the GR/BiVO₄ composite electrode can provide an impressive specific capacitance of 479 F g⁻¹ in a potential window of −1.1 to 0.7 V vs. SCE at a current density of 5 A g⁻¹. A symmetrical supercapacitor cell which can be reversibly charged–discharged at a cell voltage of 1.6 V has been assembled based on this GR/BiVO₄ monolith composite. The symmetrical capacitor can deliver an energy density of 45.69 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 800 W kg⁻¹. Moreover, it ensures rapid energy delivery of 10.75 W h kg⁻¹ with a power density of 40 kW kg⁻¹.

A symmetrical supercapacitor with a high energy density has been assembled based on a free-standing GR/BiVO₄ monolith composite.     

Rational design of asymmetric supercapacitors via a hierarchical core–shell nanocomposite cathode and biochar anode

Hierarchical MnO₂ nanosheets attached on hollow NiO microspheres have been designed by a facile hydrothermal process. The core–shell structure is achieved by decorating an MnO₂ nanosheet shell on a hollow NiO sphere core. The highly hollow and porous structure exhibits a high surface area, shortened ion diffusion length, outstanding electrochemical properties (558 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 5 mA cm⁻²), and excellent cycling stability (83% retention after 5000 cycles). To further evaluate the NiO/MnO₂ core–shell composite electrode for real applications, three asymmetric supercapacitors (NiO/MnO₂//pomelo peel (PPC), NiO/MnO₂//buckwheat hull (BHC), and NiO/MnO₂//activated carbon (AC)) are assembled. The results demonstrated that NiO/MnO₂//BHC delivered a substantial energy density (20.37 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 133.3 W kg⁻¹) and high cycling stability (88% retention after 5000 cycles) within a broad operating potential window of 1.6 V.

Hierarchical MnO₂ nanosheets standing on hollow NiO microspheres have been designed by a facile hydrothermal process. Furthermore, asymmetric supercapacitors via core/shell NiO/MnO₂ cathode and biochar anode were assembled.     

A simple strategy to prepare a layer-by-layer assembled composite of Ni–Co LDHs on polypyrrole/rGO for a high specific capacitance supercapacitor

A facile and novel electrode material of nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxides (Ni–Co LDHs) layered on polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (PPy/rGO) is fabricated for a symmetrical supercapacitor via chemical polymerization, hydrothermal and vacuum filtration. This conscientiously layered composition is free from any binder or surfactants which is highly favorable for supercapacitors. The PPy/rGO serves as an ideal backbone for Ni–Co LDHs to form a free-standing electrode for a high-performance supercapacitor and enhanced the overall structural stability of the film. The well-designed layered nanostructures and high electrochemical activity from the hexagonal-flakes like Ni–Co LDHs provide large electroactive sites for the charge storage process. The specific capacitance (1018 F g⁻¹ at 10 mV s⁻¹) and specific energy (46.5 W h kg⁻¹ at 464.9 W kg⁻¹) obtained for the PPy/rGO|Ni–Co LDHs symmetrical electrode in the current study are the best reported for the two-electrode system for PPy- and LDHs-based composites. The outstanding performance in the prepared LBL film is a result of the LBL architecture of the film and the combined effect of redox reaction and electrical double layer capacitance.

A facile and novel electrode material of nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxides (Ni–Co LDHs) layered on polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide (PPy/rGO) is fabricated for a symmetrical supercapacitor via chemical polymerization, hydrothermal and vacuum filtration.     

One-step preparation of N,O co-doped 3D hierarchically porous carbon derived from soybean dregs for high-performance supercapacitors

Hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) material based on environmental friendliness biomass has spurred much attention, due to its high surface area and porous structure. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) N,O co-doped HPC (N–O-HPC) was prepared by using a one-step fabrication process of simultaneously carbonizing and activating soybean dregs and used as an electrode for supercapacitors (SCs). The obtained N–O-HPC with 4.8 at% N and 6.1 at% O exhibits a pretty small charge transfer resistance (0.05 Ω) and a large specific capacitance (408 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹), due to its 3D hierarchically porous framework structure with extremely large specific surface area (1688 m² g⁻¹). Moreover, a symmetrical SC assembled with the HPC electrode exhibits an amazingly high energy density (22 W h kg⁻¹ at 450 W kg⁻¹) and a stable long cycling life with only 6% capacitance loss after 5000 cycles in 1 M Na₂SO₄ solution. This work provides a facile, green, and low-cost way to prepare electrode materials for SCs.

N,O co-doped 3D HPC derived from soybean dregs was prepared by a one-step method and displays an amazingly high energy density of 22 W h kg⁻¹ (450 W kg⁻¹) using 1 M Na₂SO₄ solution.     

Facile preparation of partially reduced graphite oxide nanosheets as a binder-free electrode for supercapacitors

Preparation of graphene (GR) based electrode materials with excellent capacitive properties is of great importance to supercapacitors. Herein, we report a facile approach to prepare partially reduced graphite oxide (PRG) nanosheets by reducing graphite oxide (GO) using commercial Cu₂O powder as a reduction agent, moreover, we demonstrate that the PRG nanosheets can act as building blocks for assembling hydrogels (PRGH) and flexible film (PRGF). The obtained PRGH and PRGF can be directly used as binder-free electrodes for supercapacitors and give high specific capacitance (292 and 273 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ in a three-electrode system, respectively) due to the existence of oxygen-containing functional groups in PRG nanosheets. PRG also gives excellent rate ability and cycle stability. This study suggests a facile pathway to produce GR-based materials with excellent capacitive properties and is meaningful for flexible supercapacitors.

Partial reduced graphite oxide nanosheets with excellent capacitive property have been prepared using commercial Cu₂O powders as reduction agent.     

Facile preparation of flexible binder-free graphene electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

A facile two-step strategy to prepare flexible graphene electrodes has been developed for supercapacitors using thermal reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) composite films. The tunable porous structure of the GO/TRGO film provided channels to release the high pressure generated by CO₂ gas. The graphene electrode obtained from reduced-GO/TRGO (1 : 1 in mass ratio) film showed great flexibility and high film density (0.52 g cm⁻³). Using the EMI-BF₄ electrolyte with a working voltage of 3.7 V, the as-fabricated free-standing reduced-GO/TRGO (1 : 1) film achieved a great gravimetric capacitance of 180 F g⁻¹ (delivering a gravimetric energy density of 85.6 W h kg⁻¹), a volumetric capacitance of 94 F cm⁻³ (delivering a volumetric energy density of 44.7 W h L⁻¹), and a 92% retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. In addition, the solid state flexible supercapacitor with the free-standing reduced-GO/TRGO (1 : 1) film as the electrodes and the EMI-BF₄/poly (vinylidene fluoride hexafluopropylene) (PVDF-HFP) gel as the electrolyte also demonstrated a high gravimetric capacitance of 146 F g⁻¹ with excellent mechanical flexibility, bending stability, and electrochemical stability. The strategy developed in this study provides great potentials for the synthesis of flexible graphene electrodes for supercapacitors.

A supercapacitor electrode is developed with a free-standing graphene film by a facile two-step strategy. The graphene electrode achieved a gravimetric capacitance of 180 F g⁻¹ and a volumetric capacitance of 94 F cm⁻³.     

One-step sulfuration synthesis of hierarchical NiCo2S4@NiCo2S4 nanotube/nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth as advanced electrodes for high-performance flexible solid-state hybrid supercapacitors

To obtain high-performance hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), a new class of battery-type electrode materials with hierarchical core/shell structure, high conductivity and rich porosity are needed. Herein, we propose a facile one-step sulfuration approach to achieve the fabrication of hierarchical NiCo₂S₄@NiCo₂S₄ hybrid nanotube/nanosheet arrays (NTSAs) on carbon cloth, by taking hydrothermally grown Ni–Co precursor@Ni–Co precursor nanowire/nanosheet arrays (NWSAs) as the starting templates. The optimized electrode of NiCo₂S₄@NiCo₂S₄ hybrid NTSAs demonstrates an enhanced areal capacity of 245 μA h cm⁻² at 2 mA cm⁻² with outstanding rate capability (73% from 2 to 20 mA cm⁻²) and cycling stability (86% at 10 mA cm⁻² over 3000 cycles). In addition, flexible solid-state HSC devices are assembled by using NiCo₂S₄@NiCo₂S₄ hybrid NTSAs and activated carbon as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, which manifest a maximum volumetric energy density of 1.03 mW h cm⁻³ at a power density of 11.4 mW cm⁻³, with excellent cycling stability. Our work indicates the feasibility of designing and fabricating core/shell structured metal sulfides through such a facile one-step sulfuration process and the great potential of these materials as advanced electrodes for high-performance HSC devices.

One-step sulfuration synthesis of NiCo₂S₄@NiCo₂S₄ core–shell arrays on carbon cloth.     

MOF-derived Bi2O3@C microrods as negative electrodes for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors

Bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) with high specific capacity has emerged as a promising negative electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs). Herein, we propose a facile metal–organic framework (MOF) derived strategy to prepare Bi₂O₃ microrods with a carbon coat (Bi₂O₃@C). They exhibit ultrahigh specific capacity (1378 C g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹) and excellent cycling stability (93% retention at 4000 cycles) when acting as negative electrode material for advanced asymmetric SCs. The assembled Bi₂O₃@C//CoNi-LDH asymmetric supercapacitor device exhibits a high energy density of 49 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 807 W kg⁻¹. The current Bi-MOF-derived strategy would provide valuable insights to prepare Bi-based inorganic nanomaterials for high-performance energy storage technologies and beyond.

Bi₂O₃ microrods with a carbon coat (Bi₂O₃@C) exhibit ultrahigh specific capacity (1378 C g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹) and excellent cycling stability (93% retention at 4000 cycles) as negative electrodes for supercapacitors.     

Nanocellulose supported hierarchical structured polyaniline/nanocarbon nanocomposite electrode via layer-by-layer assembly for green flexible supercapacitors

The development of a hierarchical structured multicomponent nanocomposite electrode is a promising strategy for utilizing the high efficiency of an electroactive material and improving the electrochemical performance. We propose cellulose nanofibril (CNF) aerogels with a nanoscale fiber-entangled network as the skeleton (via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly) of electroactive materials polyaniline (PANi), carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs), and graphene oxide (GO) to obtain structurally ordered polymer–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite electrodes for high-capacity flexible supercapacitors. The uniformly distributed multilayer nanoarchitecture, interconnected network, and hydrophilicity of the electrode provide a high specific surface area, excellent ion diffusion channels, and large effective contact area, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor electrode. The specific capacitance of the CNF-[PANi/CMWCNT]₁₀ (CPC₁₀) and CNF-[PANi/RGO]₁₀ (CPR₁₀) electrodes reaches 965.80 and 780.64 F g⁻¹ in 1 M aqueous H₂SO₄ electrolyte, respectively; the corresponding values in PVA/H₃PO₄ electrolyte are 1.59 and 1.46 F cm⁻². In addition, the assembled symmetric supercapacitors show good energy densities of 147.23 and 112.32 mW h cm⁻², as well as excellent durability and flexibility. Our approach offers a simple and effective method for fabricating an ideal well-structured nanocomposite electrode for green and flexible energy storage devices via LbL assembly.

Cellulose nanofibril aerogel was used as a nanofibrous scaffold for layer-by-layer assembly of polyaniline and nano-carbons for flexible and high capacitance supercapacitor applications.     

In situ hydrothermal synthesis of nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticles embedded on nitrogen and sulfur dual doped graphene for a high performance supercapacitor electrode

Nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticles (NCS) embedded onto a nitrogen and sulfur dual doped graphene (NS-G) surface are successfully synthesized via a two-step facile hydrothermal process. The electrical double-layer capacitor of NS-G acts as a supporting host for the growth of pseudocapacitance NCS nanoparticles, thus enhancing the synergistic electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance values of 1420.2 F g⁻¹ at 10 mV s⁻¹ and 630.6 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ are achieved with an impressive capability rate of 76.6% preservation at 10 A g⁻¹. Furthermore, the integrating NiCo₂S₄ nanoparticles embedding onto the NS-G surface also present a surprising improvement in the cycle performance, maintaining 110% retention after 10 000 cycles. Owing to the unique morphology an impressive energy density of 19.35 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 235.0 W kg⁻¹ suggests its potential application in high-performance supercapacitors.

Newly developed in situ hydrothermal synthesis governs morphology of Ni–Co–S embedded on N–S doped graphene thus providing exceptional capacitive behavior.     

Enhanced capacitive performance by improving the graphitized structure in carbon aerogel microspheres

Herein, good electrical conductivity and high specific surface area carbon aerogel (CA) microspheres were synthesized by a facile and economical route using a high temperature carbonization and CO₂ activation method. The electroconductive graphitized structure of the CA microspheres could be easily improved by increasing the carbonization temperature. Then the CA microspheres were activated with CO₂ to increase the specific surface area of the electrode material for electric double layer capacitors (EDLC). The sample carbonized at 1500 °C for 0.5 h and CO₂ activated at 950 °C for 8 h showed an acceptable specific surface area and excellent cycle performance and rate capability for EDLC: 98% of the initial value of the capacitance was retained after 10 000 cycles, a specific capacitance of 121 F g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹ and 101 F g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹.

Carbon aerogels (CAs) microspheres with good electrical conductivity and high specific surface area were synthesized by high temperature carbonization and CO₂ activation method, which exhibit an enhanced capacitive performance in supercapacitors.     

A general method to fabricate MoO3/C composites and porous C for asymmetric solid-state supercapacitors

MoO₃ is one of the most promising electrodes for high energy density supercapacitors due to its layered structure, which facilitates the insertion/removal of small ions. However, the commercial recognition of MoO₃-based electrodes has been hampered by their low electronic conductivity, poor structural stability and narrow working potential window. A MoO₃/C composite (MCs) has been synthesized by a polymerization method followed by calcination of the obtained hydrogel. The obtained MCs electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance in both aqueous (432.5 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹, 100% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles) and all-solid (220.5 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹) systems with porous C as the positive electrode, demonstrating its potential in commercial utilization.

The obtained MCs electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance in both aqueous and all-solid systems (220.5 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ with porous C as the positive electrode), certifying its excellent potential in supercapacitors.     

Diaminopyrene modified reduced graphene oxide as a novel electrode material for excellent performance supercapacitors

In this paper, novel reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites (DAPrGOs) modified by diaminopyrene (DAP) were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal reaction method and used for supercapacitors. Compared with the pristine rGO, the DAPrGO1 electrode showed distinctly better performance (397.63 F g⁻¹vs. 80.29 F g⁻¹ of pristine rGO at 0.5 A g⁻¹) with small charge transfer resistance. When a symmetric device was fabricated using DAPrGO1 as the active material, it also exhibited a high capacitance of 82.70 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ with an energy density of 25.84 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 375 W kg⁻¹, and even offered a high power density of 7500 W kg⁻¹ (18.71 W h kg⁻¹) at 10 A g⁻¹. Moreover, the device possessed good electrochemical stability up to 20 000 cycles, implying promising applications in energy storage fields.

Schematic illustration of the facile synthesis process of DAPrGOs nanocomposites, Ragone plots and the superior cyclic stability of the assembled DAPrGO1//DAPrGO1 SSS.     

Controllable synthesis of aluminum doped peony-like α-Ni(OH)2 with ultrahigh rate capability for asymmetric supercapacitors

Ion substitution and micromorphology control are two efficient strategies to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors electrode materials. Here, Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ with peony-like morphology and porous structure has been successfully synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal process. The Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ electrode shows an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1750 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹, and an outstanding electrochemical stability of 72% after running 2000 cycles. In addition, the Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ electrode demonstrates an excellent rate capability (92% retention at 10 A g⁻¹). Furthermore, by using this unique Al³⁺ doped α-Ni(OH)₂ as the positive electrode and a hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) as the negative electrode, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor can demonstrate a high energy/power density (49.6 W h kg⁻¹ and 14 kW kg⁻¹). This work proves that synthesizing an Al³⁺ doped structure is an effective means to improve the electrochemical properties of α-Ni(OH)₂. This scheme could be extended to other transition metal hydroxides to enhance their electrochemical performance.

Ion substitution and micromorphology control are two efficient strategies to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors electrode materials.