Rapid one-step synthesis of conductive and porous MnO2/graphene nanocomposite for high performance supercapacitors

•MnO2 nanoparticles deposited on the surface of porous graphene via microwave-assisted method•Simultaneous growth of nanoparticles and reduction of graphene oxide without reducing agents•The MnO2/graphene nanocomposites showed superior electrochemical performance.

Herein, we report a rapid and simultaneous synthesis of manganese oxide (MnO2) nanoparticles deposited on porous graphene foam by microwave-assisted method. The microwave irradiation enables simultaneously reduction and porous structure of graphene oxide and deposition of MnO2. As-synthesized MnO2/graphene nanocomposites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The resultant MnO2/graphene nanocomposite electrodes exhibit as high as specific capacitance of 372 F g− 1 at 0.5 A g− 1, high rate capability (82% retention at 5 A g− 1), and good long-term stability (98.5% retention during 3000 cycles). This synthetic method could be applicable to the mass production of porous nanocomposites as energy storage materials for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.

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