Hydrothermal synthesis of Ni(OH)2/RGO nanocomposites with superior electrochemical performance

Ni(OH)(2)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites for use as electrodes in electrochemical capacitors were prepared from GO and nickel nitrate by a one-step hydrothermal method. The content of RGO in the composites was controlled by changing the GO/nickel nitrate mass ratio. Results indicate that Ni(OH)(2) nanobelts are dispersed uniformly in the three-dimensional conducting network constructed by the RGO, which is favorable for their capacitive performance. The RGO content to achieve the best performance is 26. 7 wt%. The best sample has a high specific capacity of 1 804 F/g at 1 A/g, a remarkable capacitance retention rate of 46% even at 25 A/g, and an excellent cycle life with 90. 3% capacitance retention after 2 000 cycles at 2 A/g.