A Co3O4@Ni(OH)(2) core/shell nanowire arrays (NAs) material is synthesized and successfully applied to the energy storage device. Combining the performance advantages of Co3O4 nanowires and Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets, Co3O4@Ni(OH)(2) NAs exhibit a remarkable specific capacity (SC) of 912C g(-1) at the current density of 1 A g(-1), good rate capability and cycling stability. A asymmetric supercapacitor based on Co3O4@Ni(OH)(2) NAs positive electrode and active carbon (AC) negative electrode shows a broad operation voltage of 1.6 V and a good specific capacitance of 140 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1). All of the electrolyte used in this work is 6 M KOH aqoeous solution. Furthermore, the Co3O4@Ni(OH)(2)//AC asymmetric supercapacitor represents prominent specific energy (49.8 Wh kg(-1) at 801 W kg(-1)) and specific power (16.1 kW kg(-1) at 28.1 Wh kg(-1)). So, those excellent properties of Co3O4@Ni(OH)(2) NAs focus more interest on similar core/shell materials. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.