Superior Supercapacitor Properties of Composite Powders with Amorphous NiO Nanoclusters Distributed Uniformly in an Amorphous Carbon Matrix

Amorphous nickel oxide-carbon composite powders have been prepared using a facile spray-drying process. The nickel nitrate-citrate hydrate precursor powders were transformed into an amorphous NiO-carbon composite powder through a post-treatment at 250 degrees C for 1 h. The excellent supercapacitor performance of the amorphous NiOcarbon composite powder can be ascribed to the unique electrochemical behavior of the ultrafine amorphous NiO nanoclusters.