Crucial role of a nickel substrate in Co3O4 pseudocapacitor directly grown on nickel and its electrochemical properties

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2016-08, Vol.676, p.407-413
• Main Authors: Yoo, Chung-Yul, Park, Juyun, Yun, Dae Sik, Yu, Ji Haeng, Yoon, Hana, Kim, Jong-Nam, Yoon, Hyung Chul, Kwak, Minseok, Kang, Yong-Cheol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrochemical reactions; Energy storage materials; Oxide materials
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.03.179

In this study, Co3O4 directly grown on a porous nickel substrate was successfully prepared and characterised as a potential candidate for pseudocapacitor applications. The electrochemical properties of Co3O4 were adversely affected by the sluggish charge transfer at the interface between the electrode and electrolyte and the diffusion of ions from the electrolyte to the interface. These challenges were overcome by the introduction of a high-surface-area Ni substrate for Co3O4, which improves the electrochemical performance of Co3O4; this is indicated by the excellent capacitance and low impedance. This study suggests that the electrochemical properties of several pseudocapacitive oxide materials can be tailored by increasing the surface area of the metal substrate. [Display omitted] •Co3O4 pseudocapacitor has been directly prepared on the fine and coarse Ni.•Co3O4/fine Ni and Co3O4/coarse Ni exhibit similar chemical nature.•Co3O4/fine Ni shows better electrochemical performance than Co3O4/coarse Ni.•Electrochemical property of Co3O4 can be tailored by the surface area of Ni substrate.