The invention belongs to the field of new materials and new energy resources, and particularly relates to carbon-coated nickel oxide/metallic nickel (NiO/Ni) and a simple synthesis method of the carbon-coated NiO/Ni. The simple synthesis method comprises the following steps that soluble nickel salt, organic fuel and combustion additives are weighed and mixed to form an aqueous solution through preparation, and the aqueous solution is stirred and dissolves, so that a transparent solution is formed; the solution is heated to be at the temperature ranging from 50 DEG C to 100 DEG C, and moisture is continuously evaporated, so that the solution is in a sticky gel state; the gel is heated to be at the temperature ranging from 140 DEG C to 290 DEG C, self-propagating combustion of the gel happens, black loose powder can be obtained, and the obtained powder is added to solvent to be cleaned and dried, so that a high-purity target material is obtained. According to the invention, the technology is simple, operation is easy, and the raw materials are low in cost and easy to obtain. The prepared NiO/Ni is high in crystal quality, the conductive capacity of the carbon-coated NiO/Ni is enhanced through black carbon, and the carbon-coated NiO/Ni can be applied to devices such as lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. The technological cost is low, conventional multi-step complex technologies, the long technology period and high-priced devices are avoided, and the carbon-coated NiO/Ni is applicable to large-scale industrial production.