Carbon spheres-assisted strategy to prepare mesoporous manganese dioxide for supercapacitor applications

Mesoporous MnO2 microstructures with large specific surface area have been successfully synthesized by an in-situ redox precipitation method in the presence of colloidal carbon spheres. The samples of them had much higher specific surface area, pore size and pore volume than those obtained via routes without carbon spheres. The morphology, chemical compositions and porous nature of products were fully characterized. Electrochemical measurements showed that these mesoporous MnO2 could function well when used as positive electrode materials for supercapacitor. Ideal electrochemical capacitive performances and cyclic stability after 2000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles could be observed in 1 M neutral Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte with a working voltage of 1.7 V.

Graphical AbstractMesoporous MnO2 microstructures with large SBET were successfully synthesized by in-situ redox precipitation method in the presence of colloidal carbon spheres. Electrochemical measurements showed that these mesoporous MnO2 could be well used as electrode materials for supercapacitor. Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Mesoporous MnO2 was prepared by in-situ redox method assisted by carbon spheres.
► SBET, pore size and volume were higher than MnO2 obtained without carbon spheres.
► They could function well when used as electrode materials for supercapacitor.
► Ideal capacitive behaviors and long cycling life showed after 2000 charge–discharge.