Fast synthesis and electrochemical performance of hollow NiCo sub(2)O sub(4) flowerlike microstructures

In the present work, a two-step route was designed for fast synthesis of hollow NiCo sub(2)O sub(4) flowerlike microstructures. A flowerlike precursor containing Ni and Co was firstly prepared viaa fast microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. Then, hollow NiCo sub(2)O sub(4) flowerlike microstructures were successfully obtained through pyrolyzing the above precursor. Experiments showed that the pyrolysis temperature could strongly affect the performance of the final product. The product prepared at 280 degree C exhibited a bigger BET surface area and higher specific capacitance than that prepared at 400 degree C. The as-prepared NiCo sub(2)O sub(4) microstructures were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), (high resolution) transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM/TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS).