Electrochemical Preparation of Highly Regulated Nickel Oxide Nanoflakes on Carbon Nanofiber for Electrochemical Capacitors

Vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCFs) coated with highly regulated nickel oxide nanoflakes are deposited onto the stainless steel substrate by one-step anodic deposition in a plating bath containing surfactant [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)]. The adsorption of SDS on the VGCF surface improves the dispersion and electrodeposition of VGCFs in an aqueous electrolyte. Electrodeposition of VGCFs is accompanied by anodic deposition of nickel oxide nanoflakes on the surface of substrate and VGCFs. Nickel oxide appears to be suitable as a conducting binder for attaching VGCFs. A NiO-coated VGCF electrode exhibits excellent capacitive behavior compared with a bare NiO electrode, resulting from the enhanced electrical conductivity.