Multi-walled carbon nanotubes grown on the carbon paper substrate are prepared by in situ growth in a chemical vapor deposition system. Co(OH)(2) is deposited on carbon nanotubes/carbon paper by electrodeposition methods. SEM images show that the successful growth of nanometer-sized Co(OH)(2) nanosheets on the surface of carbon nanotubes/carbon paper substrate. The electrodes of Co(OH)(2)/carbon nanotubes/carbon paper composite are investigated for their use in supercapacitors with cyclic voltammograms, chronopotentiometric measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The composite electrode shows the largest specific capacitance of 1083 Fg(-1) at a current density of 0.83 A g(-1) in 6 M KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, this composite exhibits good cycling stability and lifetime. The implanted CNTs between carbon paper and Co(OH)(2) act as a good conductive medium for electrodes in supercapacitors, and the interconnected nanosheets of the Co(OH)(2) can facilitate the contact of the electrolyte with active materials, and thus increase the capacitance. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.