Highly dense CeO2 nanofibers and MnO2 nanoflowers composite electrode for energy storage application

Abstract

A high demand of energy storage devices has boosted researchers for fabricating ultra-efficient supercapacitors with better energy density and cycling stability. CeO2 nanofibers are one of the most promising materials due their superior oxidation performance as well as a larger specific capacitance that enables them to hold more charge. However, metal oxides being poor electrical conductors hinder the performance of the device. In this present work, we adopted a novel approach to improve the conductivity of the electrodes and charge storing capability of the device by making a hybrid composite structure with conducting porous carbon and long chain polymers through a simple, efficient and low temperature based hydrothermal synthesis route. This approach boosts the charge storage capability of the electrode electrochemically as well as by the pseudo-capacitive effect from CeO2 nanofibers. The structure and morphology of CeO2 nanofibers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). FESEM confirmed highly dense CeO2 nanofibers that were less than 30 nm in diameter. Electrochemical measurement of CeO2 nanofibers hybrid composite shows improved specific capacitance value with very large cycling stability.