Structure design of NiCo2O4 electrodes for high performance pseudocapacitors and lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

High capacitance/capacity electrodes are in urgent demand to increase the charge storage capability of energy storage devices. However, there are some scientific and technical challenges for a large amount of charges to be transported through the devices because the kinetic resistances and volume change issues may limit the performance of devices. 3D conductive scaffolds are usually developed to build rapid electron/ion pathways and accommodate volume changes. Using a templated electrodeposition and hydrothermal synthesis technique, we developed a composite electrode consisting of NiCo₂O₄ nanowires on ultralight nickel foam. The NiCo₂O₄ nanowires provide a large surface for rapid charge transports. The ultralight nickel foam electrically wires NiCo₂O₄ and accommodates the volume expansion of NiCo₂O₄ during lithiation. The composite electrode demonstrates a high performance microstructure for ideal pseudocapacitors and lithium ion anodes. It not only enhances the utilization of active materials but also increases the electrode based specific capacitance by one order of magnitude as compared to the widely used nickel foam. More importantly, the ultralight nickel foam supported structure could further be extended to other high capacitance/capacity metal oxide materials for pseudocapacitors and lithium-ion battery applications.