Facile fabrication of multiwalled carbon nanotube/α-MnOOH coaxial nanocable films by electrophoretic deposition for supercapacitors

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/α-MnOOH coaxial nanocable (MMCNC) films are successfully fabricated by a simple and low-cost electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. The as-prepared MMCNC films exhibit three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous network structure. A possible mechanism is proposed to explain the formation of the MMCNC films. Electrochemical test results show that the films exhibit superior capacitive behaviors and cycle stability in 0.1 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution. The thickness, mass loading and capacitive performance of the MMCNC films can be easily and continuously tuned by varying the deposition time. A relatively high mass specific capacitance of 327 F g−1 is obtained from the films with relatively low mass loading of 0.05 mg cm−2, while, a relatively high areal capacitance of 0.2 F cm−2 is achieved when the mass loading was increased to 1.38 mg cm−2. The superior capacitive performances can be attributed to the unique structure advantages of the MMCNC films. On one hand, the one-dimensional (1D) coaxial nanocable structure works, with MWCNT core serving as high electronic conductive frame and α-MnOOH sheath providing high pseudocapacitance. On the other hand, the 3D nanoporous network structure can facilitate fast ions transportation.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Electrophoretic deposition of Multiwalled carbon nanotube/α-MnOOH coaxial nanocable films. ► 3D nanoporous network structure can facilitate fast ions and electron transportation. ► The films exhibit superior capacitive behaviors and cycle stability. ► Energy storage mechanism of MnOOH as supercapacitor electrode material is discussed. ► Their capacitive performances can be tuned by varying the deposition time.