Vertically-aligned Mn(OH)2 nanosheet films for flexible all-solid-state electrochemical supercapacitors

Abstract

The arrangement of the electrode materials is a significant contributor for constructing high performance supercapacitor. Here, vertically-aligned Mn(OH)2 nanosheet thin films were synthesized by cathodic electrodeposition technique on flexible Au coated polyethylene terephthalate substrates. Morphologies, microstructures, chemical compositions and valence state of the nanosheet films were characterized systematically. It shows that the nanosheets arranged vertically to the substrate, forming a porous nanowall structures and creating large open framework, which greatly facilitate the adsorption or diffusion of electrolyte ions for faradaic redox reaction. Electrochemical tests of the films show the specific capacitance as high as 240.2 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1. The films were employed to assemble symmetric all-solid-state supercapacitors with LiCl/PVA gel severed as solid electrolyte. The solid devices exhibit high volumetric capacitance of 39.3 mF cm−3 at the current density 0.3 mA cm−3 with robust cycling stability. The superior performance is attributed to the vertically-aligned configuration.