Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of Ni(OH)2/ultra-stable Y zeolite composite

A novel composite of Ni(OH)2/ultra-stable Y zeolite materials was synthesized by an improved chemical precipitation method, which used the ultra-stable Y zeolite as the template. The Ni(OH)2/ultra-stable Y zeolite composite and its microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical studies were carried out using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry technology and ac impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The result shows that the loose-packed whisker Ni(OH)2 phase has profound impacts on electrode performance at very high power output. A maximum discharge capacity of 185.6 mA-h/g (1670 F/g), or 371 mA-h/g (3340 F/g) after correcting for weight percent of nickel hydroxide phase at the current density of 625 mA/g could be achieved in a half-cell setup configuration for the Ni(OH)2/ultra-stable Y zeolite electrode, suggesting its potential application in electrode material for secondary batteries and electrochemical capacitors. Furthermore, the effect of NH4Cl concentration on the electrochemical properties characteristics has also been systemically explored.