Effect of gold nano-particles on nickel oxide for electrochemical supercapacitor applications

Abstract

Electrochemical supercapacitor using porous metal oxide has received great attention as an alternative energy device because of high specific capacitance, low cost, and easy control on the surface morphology. However metal oxide suffered from poor conductivity and low cycle stability. In this study, we present an easy and cost-effective method to improve the conductivity of metal oxide via simple deposition of gold nanoparticle on 3D nickel oxide (NiO). 3D-structured NiO with flower shape has been synthesized via sol-gel methods and the prepared sample was characterized using SEM, XRD, BET, and cyclic voltammetry. By coupling of gold nanoparticles with 3D-nickel oxide pseudocapacitor materials, the specific capacitance was remarkably improved due to the improved conductivity. Furthermore, the capacitance retention and kinetic property are enhanced.