Atomic Layer Deposition of Nickel on ZnO Nanowire Arrays for High-Performance Supercapacitors

A novel hybrid core–shell structure of ZnO nanowires (NWs)/Ni as a pseudocapacitor electrode was successfully fabricated by atomic layer deposition of a nickel shell, and its capacitive performance was systemically investigated. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the NiO was formed at the interface between ZnO and Ni where the Ni was oxidized by ZnO during the ALD of the Ni layer. Electrochemical measurement results revealed that the Ti/ZnO NWs/Ni (1500 cycles) electrode with a 30 nm thick Ni–NiO shell layer had the best supercapacitor properties including ultrahigh specific capacitance (∼2440 F g –1 ), good rate capability (80.5%) under high current charge–discharge conditions, and a relatively better cycling stability (86.7% of the initial value remained after 750 cycles at 10 A g –1 ). These attractive capacitive behaviors are mainly attributed to the unique core–shell structure and the combined effect of ZnO NW arrays as short charge transfer pathways for ion diffusion and electron transfer as well as conductive Ni serving as channel for the fast electron transport to Ti substrate. This high-performance Ti/ZnO NWs/Ni hybrid structure is expected to be one of a promising electrodes for high-performance supercapacitor applications.