Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of ordered mesoporous carbons containing nickel oxide nanoparticles using sucrose and nickel acetate in a silica template

New ordered mesoporous carbons containing nickel oxide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by carbonization of sucrose in the presence of nickel acetate inside SBA-15 mesoporous silica template. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The NiO nanoparticles were embedded inside the mesoporous carbon framework due to the simultaneous pyrolysis of nickel acetate during carbonization. The electrochemical testing of the as-made nanocomposites showed a large specific capacitance of 230 F g⁻¹ using 2 M KOH as the electrolyte at room temperature. This is attributed to the nanometer-sized NiO formed inside mesoporous carbons and the high surface area of the mesopores in which the NiO nanoparticles are formed. Furthermore, the synthetic process is proposed as a simple and general method for the preparation of new functionalized mesoporous carbon materials, for various applications in catalysis, sensor or advanced electrode material.