Nickel-catalysed Carbon Hybrids with a Nasal Vestibular-Like Microstructure from a Preceramic Polymer Route as an Advanced Electrode for Supercapacitors

In this work the Ni/SiOC ceramic nanocomposite was synthesized through the polymer-derived ceramic route. Additionally, in-situ nanocarbon is added to the prepared Ni/SiOC composite to further enhance the electrochemical activity. The ex-situ nanocarbon sample was also prepared. The templating process of crosslinking at 350°C and pyrolysis at 1000°C and 1200°C was being used. The prepared composite was analyzed through XRD, Raman spectroscopy, BET, and FE-SEM studies. Structural analyses revealed the formation of nickel and nickel silicide (Ni3.6Si0.4 ) in the amorphous SiOC matrix. The microstructural findings exhibit the formation of nasal vestibular-like carbon fiber structures. Furthermore, to facilitate the movement of the ions through the meso and the micropores, the silica matrix, the Ni/SiOC/C composite was etched with HF for 1 hour and 3 hours. The complete electrochemical and impedance studies were carried out in a 6M KOH solution using a standard three-electrode setup at room temperature. Electrochemical testing delivered a high specific capacitance of 563 F g-1 at 2 mv sec-1 .