Microwave-assisted synthesis of simonkolleite nanoplatelets on nickel foam-graphene with enhanced surface area for high-performance supercapacitors

Simonkolleite (Zn-5(OH)(8)Cl-2 center dot H2O) nanoplatelets has been deposited on nickel foam-supported graphene by using an efficient microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The three-dimensional (3D) porous microstructure of the as-fabricated nickel foam-graphene/simonkolleite (NiF-G/SimonK) composite is beneficial to electrolyte penetration and ions exchange, whereas graphene provide improved electronic conductivity. Structural and morphological characterizations confirmed the presence of highly crystalline hexagonal-shaped nanoplatelets of simonkolleite. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) of the NiF-G/SimonK composite revealed that the SimonK nanoplatelets were evenly distributed on the surface of NiF-G and interlaced with each other, resulting in a higher specific surface area of 35.69 m(2) g(-1) compared to SimonK deposited directly on NiF 17.2 m(2) g(-1). Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the NiF-G/SimonK composite exhibit a high specific capacitance of 836 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1), and excellent rate capability and cycling stability with capacitance retention of 92% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.