NiCo2O4 decorated PANI-CNTs composites as supercapacitive electrode materials

Hierarchical NiCo2O4/PANI/CNTs hybrid composites were designed and fabricated having a layer of NiCo2O4 on the surface of PANI encapsulated CNTs with different morphologies. Physicochemical attributes of the synthesized composites were examined by FTIR, UV-visible and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Morphological aspects were evaluated by field-emission scanning microscopy (FESEM), electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies. Electrochemical measurements revealed an improved specific capacitance of 2250 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and 2000 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g with good rate capability using a three-electrode system. These enhanced features are achieved from the well designed nanostructure and the synergistic contributions of individual components in the electrode material. (C) 2016 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.