Synthesis and characterization of Ni(OH)2/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites for electrochemical capacitors

Ni(OH)(2)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Ni(OH)(2)/MWNTs) nanocomposites were synthesized by hydrothermal method. The microstructures of such nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical properties studies were carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostaitc charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. The presence of MWNTs network in the Ni(OH)(2) significantly improved the electrical conductivity of the host Ni(OH)(2) by the fromation of conducting network of MWNT and the active sites for the redox rection of the metal hydroxide. The specific capacitance of the new composites was significantly improved (MWNTs of 20 wt.%, 2144 Fig) compared to Ni(OH)(2) (MWNTs of 0 wt.%, 1772 F/g) in 6 M KOH solution at a charge-discharge current density of 4 mA/cm(2). Therefore, the Ni(OH)(2)/MWNTs nanocomposites can be a potential application electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.