Facile preparation of the novel structured α-MnO2/Graphene nanocomposites and their electrochemical properties

• α-MnO2/Graphene composites materials were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route.
• The as-obtained nanocomposites have a novel 1D/2D hierarchically hybrid structure.
• This novel hybrid structure of the composites is benefit for the electrochemical properties of the hybrid materials.

Graphene-based materials are promising electrodes for supercapacitors, owing to their unique two-dimensional structure, high specific surface area, and good electrical conductivity. In this paper, α-MnO2/Graphene composite materials with a unique 1D/2D hierarchical structure have been successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal route. The morphology and structure of as-obtained products are systematically studied by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption measurement. The electrochemical properties are investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge. Finally, it is shown that the introduction of 1D α-MnO2 nanofibers could keep the space between the neighboring graphene sheets and prevent the aggregation and/or restacking of graphene, thus enhancing the effective surface area and electrochemical properties of the hybrid materials.

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