Enhancement of electrochemical properties of NiAl-LDH@NiCoSe2 nanocomposite for asymmetric supercapacitor application

Abstract

Innovative energy storage solutions such as supercapacitors (SCs) have been developed to meet the increasing energy demands of the modern world. Hybrid metal chalcogenides have drawn significant interest as electrode active materials for supercapacitors, owing to their layered structure, substantial redox chemistry, fast ion diffusion properties, and versatile morphology. In this study, the NiCoSe₂ nanoparticles hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized with variations of NiAl-LDH nanosheets using the hydrothermal method. NAL@NCS hybrid nanocomposite grown on a Ni-foam exhibited a high specific capacitance of 1092 F g⁻¹ at the current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹. In addition, the NAL@NCS was used as a positive electrode with activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode to assemble the asymmetric supercapacitor device. Due to the synergetic effect, the NAL@NCS||AC device exhibited a specific capacitance of 674 F g⁻¹ at the current density of 1 A g⁻¹, had an energy density of 304 W h Kg⁻¹ at the power density of 3.42 kW Kg⁻¹ and exceptional stability of 82 % retention after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 30 A g⁻¹. This was mainly due to increased electrochemical surface area and sufficient electron transfer rate in NAL@NCS nanocomposite. This study indicates that the prepared NAL@NCS hybrid nanocomposite is a promising candidate for the supercapacitor practical application.