Facial growth of Co(OH)(2) nanoflakes on stainless steel for supercapacitors: effect of deposition potential

Abstract

In this work, the nanoflakes of Co(OH)(2) have been grown successfully on a stainless steel (SS) substrate at an ambient temperature. The novel architecture, binder free synthesis and considerable capacitance of Co(OH)(2) nanoflakes render them as a potential candidate to be used as an electrode material for supercapacitor application. It is observed that the different cathodic potentials have a dramatic impact on the growth mechanism of Co(OH)(2) nanoflakes. The prepared thin films were subjectedfor their structural and morphological study using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, etc. The supercapacitive properties of Co(OH)(2) nanoflakes have been studied using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The Co(OH)(2) nanoflakes evaluated a maximum specific capacitance of 275Fg(-1) for 5mVs(-1) in 1M KOH.