Hierarchical metal-oxide nanostructures for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

Abstract

Rational construction of metal oxides materials with different functions into a proper integrated system represents a promising way to create next generation electrodes materials. In this thesis, we employed technologies for the rational design and facile construction of several metal oxide based hierarchical nanostructures for their application in electrochemical energy storage devices. Firstly, systematic studies are conducted to CoO and Ni(OH)2–based nanoheterostructures to understand the role of the hierarchical structure design and synergistic effect in their good electrochemical properties. Second, we explore the application of atomic layer deposition (ALD) in the fabrication of novel nanostructures for enhanced electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrodes. In all, the thesis project provides several demonstrations of novel and high-performance metal oxide based supercapacitor electrodes. The controlled fabrication and functional integration of dissimilar materials on the nanoscale represents an important step towards application of these materials for supercapacitor application in the future.