Construction of NiCoP@NiCoS Core–Shell Nanoarrays on Carbon Cloth for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Abstract

Constructing core-shell structures is an encouraging method to increase the energy storage ability of supercapacitors. In this study, a tree-like NiCoP@NiCoS/CC (CC: carbon cloth) composite was synthesized, with NiCoP nanowires serving as a conductive skeleton for stable electron transport and structural support. NiCoS nanosheets coated the nanowires, forming a conductive network that increased the atom utilization and area for electrochemical reactions. The number of NiCoS electrodeposition cycles was varied to optimize the electrochemical performance. Electrochemical test results revealed optimal performance with 10 deposition cycles (2372.6 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1). An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled using NiCoP@NiCoS/CC as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device delivered a power density of 800 W kg^-1 at 1.6 V and an energy density of 55.42 Wh kg^-1, with only 23.7% capacity loss after 10,000 cycles. These results underscore the potential of NiCoP@NiCoS/CC electrodes for advancing core-shell heterostructures in next-generation wearable energy storage devices.