title: Microwave-assisted synthesis of simonkolleite nanoplatelets on nickel foam-graphene with enhanced surface area for high-performance supercapacitors.
abstract: Simonkolleite (Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O) nanoplatelets has been deposited on nickel foam-supported graphene by using an efficient microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The three-dimensional (3D) porous microstructure of the as-fabricated nickel foam-graphene/simonkolleite (NiF-G/SimonK) composite is beneficial to electrolyte penetration and ions exchange, whereas graphene provide improved electronic conductivity. Structural and morphological characterizations confirmed the presence of highly crystalline hexagonal-shaped nanoplatelets of simonkolleite. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) of the NiF-G/SimonK composite revealed that the SimonK nanoplatelets were evenly distributed on the surface of NiF-G and interlaced with each other, resulting in a higher specific surface area of 35.69 m(2) g(-1) compared to SimonK deposited directly on NiF 17.2 m(2) g(-1). Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that the NiF-G/SimonK composite exhibit a high specific capacitance of 836 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1), and excellent rate capability and cycling stability with capacitance retention of 92% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles.
authors.affiliation: UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa; Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: skhamlich@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khamlich
authors.affiliation: Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mokrani
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Dhlamini
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Mothudi
authors.affiliation: UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa; Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maaza
keywords: Graphene; Microwave; Simonkolleite; Supercapacitor