Preparation of a two-dimensional flexible MnO2/graphene thin film and its application in a supercapacitor

Abstract

A novel two-dimensional (2D) free standing and flexible MnO₂/graphene film (MGF) supercapacitor electrode is successfully fabricated by a spin-coating and hydrothermal process. The MnO₂ nano-sheets are successfully aligned vertically only on one side of the graphene thin film. Raw amphiphilic graphene oxide film is helpful in effectively promoting the dispersion of well-defined MnO₂ nanosheets, which can form a porous network and cover the film surface. The graphene film acts as a substrate where MnO₂ nano-sheets grow in situ, and meanwhile it is used as a base current collector with a large accessible surface area and without binders for electrochemical testing. The MGF exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in a three electrode configuration, including a high specific capacitance of up to 280 F g⁻¹ and outstanding cycle stability (no obvious decay after 10 000 cycles). In addition, the symmetric MGF supercapacitor shows a specific capacitance of up to 77 F g⁻¹ under a cell voltage of 1.0 V. After 10 000 cycles, the capacity retention rate is 91% at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹. At the same time, the symmetric supercapacitor also has a high energy density of 10.7 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 500 W kg⁻¹.