Hierarchical Cu2O CuO Co3O4 core-shell nanowires: synthesis and electrochemical properties

• Published in: Nanotechnology Vol. 26; no. 30; pp. 304002 - 304010
• Main Authors: Kuang, Min, Tao Li, Tong, Chen, Hao, Mao Zhang, Sheng, Li Zhang, Li, Xin Zhang, Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IOP Publishing 31.07.2015
• Subjects: cobaltosic oxide; copper oxide; core shell structure
• ISSN: 0957-4484; 1361-6528; 1361-6528
• DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/30/304002

We prepared hierarchical Cu2O CuO Co3O4 core-shell nanowires (NWs) via a facile chemical deposition method followed by calcination for use as the electrode of supercapacitors. The Cu2O CuO Co3O4 electrode showed a specific capacitance of 318 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. 80% of the original specific capacitance was retained after 3000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. An asymmetric supercapacitor cell using Cu2O CuO Co3O4 NWs as the positive electrode and activated graphene as the negative electrode exhibited a maximum energy density of 12 Wh kg−1. The electrochemical properties of the electrode were strongly related to the hierarchical nanostructure, which not only provided rich active sites but also shortened ion transport pathways.