Ni/Al-LDH/MCNTs composites with MCNTs contents of 1%

3%

and 5% were prepared by the in-situ homogeneous precipitation method with Ni(NO3)3·6H2O

Al(NO3)3·9H2O

urea

and MCNTs as raw materials. The microstructure and morphology of the Ni/Al-LDH/MCNTs composites were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD)

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The electrochemical performance of the Ni/Al-LDH/MCNTs composites used as cathode materials for nickel-hydrogen battery were characterized with cyclic voltammetry (CV)

electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)

and charge-discharge tests. The results demonstrated that the introduction of MCNTs could enhance electrochemical activity

decrease electrochemical reaction resistance

and significantly improve high rate performance of Ni/Al-LDH. In particular

the Ni/Al-LDH/MCNTs composite with MCNTs content of 3% had the best electrochemical performance. For example

the specific discharge capacities of the Ni/Al-LDH/MCNTs composite with MCNTs content of 3% under current densities of 200

500

1000

and 2000 mA·g-1 were 330

321

307

and 288 mA·h·g-1

respectively. While for the Ni/Al-LDH without MCNTs

the specific discharge capacity was only 205 mA·h·g-1 under the current density of 2000 mA·g-1.