Ni(OH)(2)/AC/CNT composite has been prepared via a green rapid microwave assisted method in an ethylene glycol medium. Scanning electron microscopy images show that Ni(OH)(2) nanoparticles, activated carbon spheres and nanotubes constructed a three-dimensional (3-D) connected network, which lead to a high specific capacitance 1038 F g(-1) at current density of 1 A g(-1). Based on Ni(OH)(2)/AC/CNT composite as positive electrode material and activated carbon as negative electrode material, an asymmetric supercapacitor of AC//Ni(OH)(2)/AC/CNT was fabricated. The unit supercapacitor demonstrates excellent electrochemical performances using non-woven fabric as separator and 6 M KOH as electrolyte within 1.6 V operation window. The maximum specific capacitance of 82.1 F g(-1) is achieved at 0.5 A g(-1) and the energy density can reach up to 32.3 Wh kg(-1) at power density of 504.8 W kg(-1). Furthermore, 83.5% capacitance retention is obtained after 1000 charge-discharge cycles. These results indicate that the AC//Ni(OH)(2)/AC/CNT supercapacitor is promising to be applied in a practical device for energy storage devices. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.