Rational design of asymmetric supercapacitors via a hierarchical core–shell nanocomposite cathode and biochar anode

Abstract

Hierarchical MnO₂ nanosheets attached on hollow NiO microspheres have been designed by a facile hydrothermal process. The core–shell structure is achieved by decorating an MnO₂ nanosheet shell on a hollow NiO sphere core. The highly hollow and porous structure exhibits a high surface area, shortened ion diffusion length, outstanding electrochemical properties (558 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 5 mA cm⁻²), and excellent cycling stability (83% retention after 5000 cycles). To further evaluate the NiO/MnO₂ core–shell composite electrode for real applications, three asymmetric supercapacitors (NiO/MnO₂//pomelo peel (PPC), NiO/MnO₂//buckwheat hull (BHC), and NiO/MnO₂//activated carbon (AC)) are assembled. The results demonstrated that NiO/MnO₂//BHC delivered a substantial energy density (20.37 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 133.3 W kg⁻¹) and high cycling stability (88% retention after 5000 cycles) within a broad operating potential window of 1.6 V.