Simple controllable foam structure NiCo2S4 for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

In this work, to reduce the dead volume due to the accumulation of synthesized products, the foam-structured NiCo2S4 (FSNCS) with a specific surface area of 25.4 m2 g -1 was successfully synthesized by using well-dispersed SiO2 nanospheres as the framework. The FSNCS exhibited 559.3 C g -1 at a current density of 1 A g -1, which was 173.3 C g -1 higher than the performance of the NCS synthesized without the addition of SiO2. Additionally, a hybrid supercapacitor is successfully assembled with FSNCS as the positive electrode and active carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. The FSNCS//AC displays maximum specific energy of 28.8 Wh kg- 1 at a specific power of 375.0 W kg- 1, together with good cyclic life with 88.9% capacity retention over 5000 cycles at 8 A g -1. It is worth noting that the hybrid supercapacitor can provide strong power for the operation of the motor fan. The simple structure design provides an innovative and effective way to develop high-performance energy storage devices.

Automated summary

The foam-structured NiCo2S4 (FSNCS) material was successfully synthesized with the addition of SiO2 nanospheres as the framework, leading to reduced dead volume. The FSNCS exhibited high capacity and energy density in the supercapacitor, along with good cyclic life.