Significantly improved electrochemical characteristics of nickel sulfide nanoplates using graphene oxide thin film for supercapacitor applications

•Hydrothermal synthesis of GO based nickel sulfide nanoplates.•Electrode structure showed excellent specific capacitance 1745.50 Fg−1 and energy density 87.30 WhKg−1.•Two electrodes symmetric measurements revealed good energy density of 15.72 WhKg−1.•GO based nickel sulfide can be engaged effectively for pseudocapacitor applications. Tremendous efforts have been devoted for designing the excellent electrochemical electrode structures, exhibiting good electrochemical characteristics for supercapacitor applications. Herein, nickel sulfide nanoplates on graphene oxide thin film (GONSNPs) were fabricated on nickel foam using hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, electrical and electrochemical study was carried out using the X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, four probe electrical set up and electrochemical work station. GONSNPs showed oxidation and reduction peaks in cyclic voltammetry curves and recommended the pseudocapacitive nature. The specific capacitance and specific energy was found as 1745.50 Fg−1 and 87.30 WhKg−1 at 5 mAcm−2, respectively, through galvanostatic charge and discharge profile using three electrodes system. While, the measured specific energy from two electrodes symmetric measurements was 15.72 WhKg−1 at 1 mAcm−2. Hence, GONSNPs electrodes were suggested as suitable for high performance asymmetric and symmetric supercapacitor applications. [Display omitted]