MnOOH nanorods decorated with CeO2 nanoparticles as advanced electrode for high-performance supercapacitor

Abstract

The development of novel composite electrode materials is essential to fabricating supercapacitors with high specific capacitance and good stability. In this study, MnOOH nanorods adorned with CeO2 (CeMn composites) have been satisfactorily synthesized through in-situ growth of tiny CeO2 nanoparticles using hydrothermal treatment. SEM images revealed that the granular CeO2 particles are adhered to the surfaces of nanorod-shaped MnOOH. XRD analysis confirmed the CeMn composites maintain the crystal structure of MnOOH and CeO2 with high purity. The EDS elemental mapping images demonstrated that Mn, O, and Ce elements are homogenously dispersion distributed in the CeMn composites. The supercapacitive performance of the MnOOH and CeMn composites pasted onto the Ni foam was evaluated determined through electrochemical measurements. The Ce0.05Mn1 (Ce/Mn molar ratio of 0.05/1) as a supercapacitor electrode exhibited an excellent specific capacitance of 857.62 F/g at 1 A/g, which is higher than the values for the MnOOH. Moreover, the prepared Ce0.05Mn1 still could retain good cycling stability over 3000 charge/discharge cycles. This study presents a feasible route to develop high-performing supercapacitor electrode materials.