Pranoti H.
Patil
and
Sushilkumar A.
Jadhav
*
School of Nanoscience and Technology, Shivaji University Kolhapur, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur 416004, Maharashtra, India. E-mail: sushil.unige@gmail.com
First published on 3rd May 2024
Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is the most promising electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs) due to its low cost, non-toxic nature, high theoretical capacitance, and wide potential window. Meanwhile, biomass-derived carbon has also become a prominent electrode material in recent years due to its cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and availability of biomass in abundance. Carbon can be synthesized from biomass precursors such as plants, animals, and microorganisms via various synthesis and activation techniques. MnO2 is combined with carbon to obtain composite materials with improved electrochemical properties and structural stability. Sustainable porosity in MnO2-biomass-derived carbon composites increases the conductivity and electrochemical performance of the electrode material. Hence, MnO2 and biomass-derived composite materials have received great attention regarding their potential use as electrode materials in SCs. Recently, significant new developments in the synthesis and testing of such composite materials have been made. In this review, recent reports about such composite materials are listed and analyzed with numerous examples providing the authors with important collective information. Here, we place a strong emphasis on carbons obtained from a variety of biomass and different types of MnO2 and composites made from them for SC application. The current challenges and prospects in this field of research are also highlighted.
In comparison to bulk MO materials which have a lower specific area and capacitance, the emerging trend of designing and fabricating innovative porous nanostructure composites with carbon materials is beneficial to increase the specific surface area and achieve good electrochemical properties. MOs demonstrate many oxidation states and participate in faradaic redox reactions that provide high capacitance. On the other hand, activated carbon (AC) exhibits good conductivity with a large surface area and porosity. MO/AC composites have a wide range of applications in energy storage devices.17
Nowadays, bimetallic and trimetallic oxides are often utilized as electrode materials due to their high capacitance and electrical conductivity. Trimetallic oxides, compared to single and bimetallic oxides, showed good electrochemical properties. In comparison to single MOs including NiO, MnO2, SiO2, Co3O4, V2O5, CuO, and ZrO2, bi- or tri-MOs such as NiCo2O4 delivered high electrical conductivity. Moreover, the doping of Ni enhances the electrical conductivity from 3.1 × 10−5 of (CO3O4) to 0.1 to 0.3 S cm−1 of (NixCO3−xO4). Novel heterostructure and nanostructured (OD), (1D) and (3D) mixed MOs are typically porous and can offer more active sites for charge transfer and full contact between the active materials and electrolyte results in the enhancement of the electrochemical characteristics compared to bulk MO materials. Recently, plant-based AC has attracted much attention due to its natural 3D porous structure, which plays a vital role in the storage and rapid migration of electrolyte ions and can compensate for the underdeveloped pore structure of conventional AC.18–25 AC made from biomass is abundant in functional groups and non-metal elements like N, S, and O that can be used in faradaic processes to create specific types of pseudo capacitors. When compared to conventional AC, biomass-derived AC is renewable, affordable, and environmentally benign. It is possible to predict that biomass-derived AC will eventually replace conventional AC as the dominant trend in the development of AC. An abundance of porous structures makes AC a good material to make a composite with MnO2.
The importance of MnO2 and activated carbon materials has been pointed out separately and the electrochemical and charge storage properties of these materials were investigated in several studies. The main aim of this review is to point out the importance of MnO2 and biomass-derived carbon-based electroactive composite materials for energy storage application. Herein, we have initially presented the basic and important information about MnO2 and its various types and their role in energy storage devices. Then the information about biomass-derived carbon is presented by highlighting the characteristic properties of carbons and importance of activation. This section also highlights different biomass sources to produce the carbon. Meanwhile, the main section about the MnO2-biomass-derived carbon-based composite materials contains discussion of several recent examples of such composites for SC application. The electrochemical properties shown by such composites are correlated to the type, structure, morphology, and shape of MnO2 and the source of biomass from which the carbon is obtained as well as the main properties of the carbon such as N-doping and porosity. The review is concluded by highlighting the main findings and possible future directions in this field of research.
Fig. 2 Schematic diagram of the crystal structure of α-, β-, γ-, ε-, δ- and λ-MnO2. Reproduced from ref. 32 with permission from RSC, copyright 2022. |
Discussed below are some representative examples of the use of MnO2-based materials for SC application.
Jayachandran et al. produced α-MnO2 nanorods as an electrode material for high-quality SCs. In three distinct aqueous electrolytes, including 1 M Na2SO4, 0.5 M KOH, and 1 M Na2SO4 + 0.5 M KOH, they examined the electrochemical performance of MnO2 nanorods. In this study, 1 M Na2SO4 + 0.5 M KOH showed outstanding electrochemical performance. It produced a 570 F g−1 specific capacitance at 1 A g−1 current density and 20% capacitance retention loss over 10000 cycles.50 Moniruzzaman et al. synthesized a cobalt doped@MnO2 nanosheet composite on highly conductive nickel foam for SC application. The composite material delivered a specific capacitance of 337.8 F g−1 in 2 M KOH at 0.5 A g−1 current density. This material exhibited a huge loss of capacitance retention i.e. 13% for 3000 charge–discharge cycles.51 Deng et al. fabricated α-MnO2 electrodes for high-performance asymmetric sodium (Na) ion SCs. In this work, they introduced a pre-activation strategy into the α-MnO2 nanosheet electrode to enhance the Na-storage performance. Based on α-MnO2 positive and m-WO3 negative, they developed a novel aqueous ASSC in aqueous Na2SO4 electrolyte. The electrode material showed a volumetric capacitance of 377 F cm−3 with an excellent capacitance retention of 123% after 10000 cycles. It delivered an energy and power density of 0.965 W h cm−3 and 65.2 W cm−3 respectively.52 Dai et al. reported the effect of current density on the electrochemical performance of MnO2 electrodes of SCs and lithium-ion batteries. In SCs, the electrode material showed a specific capacitance of 415.4 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 while in a lithium-ion battery, it delivered 818. 1 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 200 cycles. The MnO2 electrode exhibited an energy density of 1000 mA g−1 in a lithium-ion battery.53 For high-performance aqueous SCs, Wu et al. prepared zinc (Zn)-doped MnO2 ultrathin nanosheets with defects. The Zn ion doped in MnO2 results in an increase of conductivity of the electrode material. The prepared material showed a specific capacitance of 392 F g−1 with a good capacitance retention of 95.2% after 10000 cycles. It delivered an energy density of 55.28 W h kg−1 at a power density of 555.6 W kg−1.54 Saini et al. fabricated an asymmetric device using ZnCo2O4@MnO2 with a porous nanosphere decorated flower-shaped structure. The asymmetric device delivered a specific capacitance of 791.11 F g−1 at a 5 A g−1 scan rate with an energy density of 247.22 W h kg−1 at a power density of 1250 W kg−1. ZnCo2O@MnO2 showed a significant specific capacitance of 4223 F g−1 in 6 M KOH in 1 A g−1. It exhibited only a 3% loss of capacitance retention after 5000 cycles.55
Biomass-derived carbon has several notable features such as high carbon content, porosity, and stability. Compared to conventional carbon materials, it has a larger charge storage capacity, faster charge/discharge rates, and longer cycle life due to its wide surface area. It can resist high temperatures without degrading because of its relatively good thermal stability.63 Pore size distribution, connectivity, and wettability of porous carbon are significant characteristics that have an impact on the ion diffusion and energy density of active materials. The entry of ions into pore systems and the transport of electrons are significantly influenced by the wettability of the pores. There are many different kinds of porous carbon materials, including microporous, mesoporous, and microporous, each of which has a specific function in the ion storage and transport kinetics of the material.64 Macro pores serve as ion reservoirs. They can store a large quantity of ions and act as a buffer or storage area. It keeps the ion concentration stable within the material. Furthermore, mesoporous materials are small to medium-sized porous carbon materials that offer several channels for ions to permeate through a substance. They provide ion transport by promoting ion movement within the porous carbon. This helps to maintain even ion distribution throughout the material. Materials with microporosity can present a challenge for ions due to their size. Even though some micropore regions might not directly absorb ions, they still have an impact on the material's overall charge condition. The overall charge storage capability of the porous carbon material may be impacted by the selective ion diffusion. For the structure of porous carbon, interconnected pores of various sizes are essential. The creation of 3D interconnected microporous and mesoporous structures is still challenging. To achieve acceptable wettability, surface modification of porous carbon materials is progressively becoming an issue. The majority of biomass contains heteroatoms, which increase the number of active sites and decrease the hydrophobicity of porous carbon. These components include boron, nitrogen, sulfur, and other trace elements.61 Hence, biomass-derived carbon materials are considered as the most promising electrode materials for energy storage devices. Recently reported examples of biomass-derived carbon as electrode materials for energy storage devices such as batteries and SCs are discussed below.
Mariappan et al. constructed a MnFe layer double hydroxide on carbon derived from orange peel for electrocatalytic water splitting. The MnFe-biomass-derived carbon catalyst was synthesized by pyrolysis followed by the hydrothermal method. The electrocatalyst showed better hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction activities in 1 M KOH. Due to the synergic effect between MnFe-LDH and carbon, it achieved noteworthy electrolytic performance.65 Sui et al. synthesized biomass-derived carbon-coated SiO2 nanotubes for lithium-ion batteries. They used SiO2 nanotubes (SNTs) as an effective anode material due to their excellent properties and lignin furfural resin (C-PDLF) derived carbon as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. SNTs@C-PDLF exhibited 661 mA h g−1 specific capacity at 100 mA g−1. Compared with pristine SNTs, SNTs@C-lignin showed a better life span.66 For hydrogen fuel cells, Ding et al. prepared carbon derived from brinjal peel immobilized ultrafine Pt nanoparticles as a highly efficient catalyst. The prepared catalyst exhibited a power density of 1.246 V cm−2 at 2000 mA cm−2 in an H2 air fuel cell.67 Jin et al. constructed biomass carbon quantum dots from a spent coffee ground modified TiO2 photocatalyst for methylene blue degradation. The TiO2 catalyst showed high photocatalytic activity as well as chemical stability. N-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) were used to decorate TiO2. As compared to pristine TiO2, 3-NCQDs/TiO2 showed a faster degradation rate for methylene blue. It also showed an adequate photocatalytic degradation rate of 93.1% within 60 min.68 Wang et al. synthesized N, P co-doped hard carbon derived from tea tormenta material for Na-ion batteries. The material showed excellent electrochemical performance due to the active sites in N and P groups.69 Zhang et al. synthesized a Cu-doped bamboo/polypyrrole-derived porous carbon material for SCs. Moreover, they used citric acid and copper sulfate as catalysts. Due to the synergic effects of catalysts and heteroatom doping the synthesized composite material exhibited good electrochemical performance. It showed the lowest energy density of 17.42 W h kg−1 at the highest power density of 5000 W kg−1 in Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte.70 For high-performance SCs, Wang et al. synthesized hierarchical cornstalk-derived porous carbon (CSPC) with decorated Ag-nanoparticles. The materials were characterized using SEM and TEM as shown in Fig. 3. The CSPC-Ag electrode has a higher specific capacitance because it uses electron transport channels and active sites of Ag NPs to facilitate electrolyte ion diffusion.71
Fig. 3 SEM images of CSPC-0.5 (a), CSPC-1 (b), CSPC-1.5 (c), CSPC-2 (d) and CSPC-1-5% Ag (e); (f) TEM image of CSPC-1-5% Ag; (g) EDS element mapping analyses and spectrum of CSPC-1-5% Ag. Reproduced from ref. 71 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2022. |
Yao et al. synthesized cheese-like hierarchical porous red dates derived activated carbon (RDAC) materials for high-performance SCs. Furthermore, Fig. 4 illustrates the SEM images of RDAC-0 and RDAC-4 samples. The material exhibited a large specific surface area (SSA) of 1115.7 m2 g−1. Due to the large SSA and porous structure, the material showed good electrochemical properties.72
Fig. 4 SEM images of the samples: (a and b) RDAC-0-800; (c and d) RDKC-4-800. Reproduced from ref. 72 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2023. |
Agrawal et al. fabricated a symmetric SC using waste biomass Phyllanthus emblica leaves (PELC) derived high-performance AC (PELAC). The surface characterizations are depicted in Fig. 5. The PELAC electrode exhibited good cyclic stability i.e. 98.7% capacitance retention after 8000 cycles at 10 A g−1 in KOH electrolyte. The symmetric SC showed an energy density of 29 W h kg−1 at a remarkable power density of 6750 W kg−1 in PVA/KOH.73
Fig. 5 (a–c) SEM images of PELC-800, (d) SEM image of PELAC, and (e and f) FESEM images at different magnifications (inset dotted circles indicate many tiny pores/surface defects existing inside the material at the 100 nm scale). Reproduced from ref. 73 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2023. |
Mehdi et al. prepared biomass-derived carbon from date seeds for SC application. The date seed biochar (DSBC) material was synthesized by slow pyrolysis at 600 °C (DSBC-600) and chemical activation at 700 °C (DSAC-700), 800 °C (DSAC-800) and 900 °C (DSAC-900) by H2SO4. Fig. 6 shows SEM images at different temperatures. Due to 3D porous structure, DSAC-700 showed good specific capacitance of 487.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1.74
Fig. 6 (a) SEM micrographs for biochar produced at 600, (b) shows a micrograph of DSAC700, (c) shows a micrograph of DSAC800, and (d) shows a micrograph of DSAC900. Reproduced from ref. 74 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2023. |
For a high mass loading SC, Tian et al. synthesized porous carbon from Linum usitatissimum L. root by a facile in situ activation method. The material was carbonized at 800 °C for 1 h in a N2 atmosphere. The synthesized material enhanced surface utilization and ion diffusion due to active sites as shown in Fig. 7. The material showed gravimetric/volumetric/areal capacitances of 421 F g−1 /316 F cm−3 /8.0 F cm−2 at 1 A g−1. The symmetric SC delivered an energy density of 8.16 W h kg−1.75
Fig. 7 SEM images of LRC-0 (a1 and a2) and LRC-1 (b1 and b2). Reproduced from ref. 75 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2023. |
Li et al. prepared N, P co-doped hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets derived from pomelo peel for SC application. The co-doping improved the conductivity, morphology, and specific surface area of the material. Fig. 8 shows the SEM images of the synthesized material. At 750 °C temperature, the N, P co-doped material exhibited an energy density of 36 ± 1.5 W h kg−1 and power density of 1000 W kg−1. It also showed outstanding capacitance retention of 99% after 10000 cycles.76
Fig. 8 SEM images of (a and b) BC, (c and d) NPCNs-650, (e and f) NPCNs-750, and (g and h) NPCNs-850. Reproduced from ref. 76 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2022. |
Tarimo et al. fabricated a symmetric SC device from a waste chicken bone-derived carbon electrode material. The SEM and TEM images at different magnifications are shown in Fig. 9. The material was carbonized at 700 °C for 2 h under an Ar atmosphere. Due to carbonization, the material improved pore size and specific surface area (2235.8 m2 g−1).77
Fig. 9 (a and b), (d and e) and (h and i) are SEM images of CCBW-0.5, CCBW-1, and CCBW-2 at low and high magnifications, respectively. (c), (f) and (j) are TEM images of CCBW-0.5, CCBW-1, and CCBW-2, respectively. Reproduced from ref. 77 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2022. |
Overall, the synthesis of biomass-derived carbon materials as electrodes is a subject of intense research. Recently used biomasses obtained from various biomass-derived carbon precursors, their synthesis methods, and conditions with dimensions, porosity, and surface area are listed in Table 1.
Sr. no. | Biomass source | Condition of carbonization/pyrolysis under N2 or in air | Carbon dimensions/pore size/surface area (m2 g−1) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Agaric | Pyrolyzed at 750 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 78 |
Microporous 2225.5 | ||||
2. | Lignin | Carbonization at 1000 °C for 1 h under N2 atmosphere | 1D | 79 |
Mesopores 674 | ||||
3. | Bamboo | Carbonization at 800 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | 1D | 80 |
Micropores 1987.76 | ||||
4. | Lotus seedpod | Carbonization at 800 °C for 3 h under Ar atmosphere | — | 81 |
Micropores 908.9 | ||||
5. | Marine biowaste | Carbonization at 1000 °C for 1 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 82 |
Micropores 1526 | ||||
6. | Orange peel | Carbonization at 400 °C for 8 h in air | 3D | 83 |
— | ||||
— | ||||
7. | Agave sisalana | Carbonization at 550 °C for 60 min under N2 atmosphere | — | 84 |
Micropores and mesopores 1464 | ||||
8. | Oil palm empty fruit bunch | Carbonization at 800 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 85 |
Mesopores 640.61 | ||||
9. | Palmyra palm flower | Carbonization at 400 °C for 1 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 86 |
Micropores 950 | ||||
10. | Eggfruit | Carbonization at 500 °C for 4 h under N2 atmosphere | 3D | 87 |
Mesoporous 87.88 | ||||
11. | Acacia wood | Carbonization at 800 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | 3D | 88 |
Nanoporous 1563.43 | ||||
12. | Cassia fistula dry fruits | Carbonization at 800 °C for 3 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 89 |
Mesoporous 625 | ||||
13. | Wood/sticks | Carbonization at 800 °C for 4 h under N2 atmosphere | 3D | 90 |
Microporous and mesoporous 973 | ||||
14. | Caesalpinia sappan | Pyrolysis at 800 °C for 1 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 91 |
Super microporous 675 | ||||
15. | Bamboo | Carbonization at 600 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 92 |
Micro-mesoporous 1985 | ||||
16. | Acacia auriculiformis bark | Carbonization at 800 °C for 2 h under Ar atmosphere | 3D | 93 |
Microporous and mesoporous 1147 | ||||
17. | Sugar beet pulp | Pyrolyzed at 700 °C for 150 min in an inert atmosphere | — | 94 |
Micro/mesoporous 950.31 | ||||
18. | Eucalyptus oil | Carbonization at 700 °C for 1 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 95 |
Microporous 329.66 | ||||
19. | Lemongrass | Pyrolyzed at 600 °C under N2 atmosphere | — | 96 |
Micro-mesoporous 1694 | ||||
20. | Chicken feet (collagen) | Carbonization at 800 °C for 30 min under Ar atmosphere | 3D | 97 |
Microporous 1087 | ||||
21. | Soybean pods | Pyrolyzed at 600 °C for 90 min under Ar atmosphere | 3D | 98 |
Mesoporous 1807.56 | ||||
22. | Tobacco waste | Carbonization at 850 °C for 30 min under Ar atmosphere | — | 99 |
Microporous 1079.2 | ||||
23. | Bamboo fiber | Pyrolyzed at 800 °C for 2 h under Ar atmosphere | — | 100 |
Microporous 1900 | ||||
24. | Vegetable sponge | Carbonization at 600 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 101 |
Mesoporous 1619.3 | ||||
25. | Pisum sativum | Carbonization at 800 °C for 2 h under N2 atmosphere | — | 102 |
Microporous 240 |
MnO2/N-doped biomass-derived carbon composites have been synthesized using various techniques, including solution growth, hydrothermal treatment, vapor deposition, etc. Compared to pure MnO2 or carbon materials, the composites have better chemical performance and stability for SCs.115–117 For examples, one study reported that MnO2/N-doped porous carbon spheres prepared from Na alginate showed a specific capacitance of 419.3 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and an ultrafast charge–discharge rate of 2.5 V s−1.118
Li et al. fabricated a quasi-solid asymmetric SC using MnO2-coated and N-doped pine cone porous carbon (N-PC). MnO2-coated and N-doped porous carbon was prepared by a carbonization and hydrothermal process. Due to carbonization, the material enhanced the contact area and improved the electron transmission. The asymmetric SC showed a specific capacitance of 167.8 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density with a 15.5% loss of capacitance retention after 3000 cycles in PVA/Na2SO4 quasi-solid electrolyte. It also displayed an energy density and power density of 20.42 W h kg−1 and 799.9 W kg−1 respectively.119
Sui et al. prepared an asymmetric SC using polypyrrole, MnO2, and N-doped carbon nanowires (PCNW). The PCNW porous structure made of polypyrrole nanowires serves as a supportive substrate for the deposition of MnO2via a redox reaction between carbon and KMnO4. The asymmetric SC displayed a specific capacitance of 55.7 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with an energy density of 23.7 W h kg−1 at a good power density of 2000 W kg−1. It exhibited capacitance retention of 87.6% after 10000 cycles.120
For flexible solid-state asymmetric SC, Sun et al. synthesized a MnO2@N-doped AC (NAC) composite. The N-doped carbon was activated by KOH while the MnO2@NAC composite was obtained by a simple hydrothermal method. The NAC has significant interactions with MnO2 due to interface modification, allowing for fast charge transfer. The electrode material showed a specific capacitance of 408.5 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. The flexible solid-state asymmetric SC fabricated with NAC as the anode and MnO2@NAC as the cathode in PVA-KOH electrolyte displayed a specific capacitance of 75 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density with 89.5% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles. It also delivered an energy density of 26.7 W h kg−1 at a power density of 400 W kg−1.121
Kongthong et al. prepared coin- and pouch-cell SCs using N-doped pineapple leaf fiber-derived activated carbon (PALF-NAC) with MnO2. The α-MnO2/PALF-NAC electrode material showed a specific capacitance of 195 F g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in 1 M H2SO4. This electrode material showed good electrochemical performance in coin- and pouch-cell SCs. The specific capacitance exhibited 133 F g−1 and 120 F g−1 in coin- and pouch-cell SC respectively. In the coin-cell SC, the energy density is 27 W h kg−1 at 148 W kg−1 power density with a capacitance retention of 84% after 10000 cycles. Similarly in the pouch-cell SC, this electrode material delivered an energy density of 26.8 W h kg−1 at a power density of 120 W kg−1.122
Li et al. fabricated an asymmetric SC using MnO2 nanosheets and N-doped agaric-derived porous carbon (N-APC). The three-dimensional pore structure of N-APC enhanced the electron transmission. The electrode material exhibited a specific capacitance of 330 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. An asymmetric SC developed with N-APC as a negative electrode and MnO2@N-APC as a positive electrode in 1 M Na2SO4 showed an energy density and power density of 28 W h kg−1 and 560 W kg−1 respectively.123
Wang et al. reported the multicore–shell MnO2@Ppy@N-doped porous carbon nanofiber ternary composite electrode material for a high-performance SC. The composite material showed a specific capacitance of 595.77 F g−1 with a 4% loss of capacitance retention after 1000 cycles. The asymmetric SC delivered an energy density of 9.36 W h kg−1 at 1000 W kg−1 power density.124
Li et al. prepared a 3D hollow carbon skeleton from lotus pollen and hexagonal MnO2 nanosheet composite for a high-performance SC. Due to chemical activation in the presence of KMnO4, the MnO2/C material improved the morphology and enhanced the electrochemical performance. The composite exhibited a high specific capacitance of 257 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. It showed an energy density and power density of 51.5 W h kg−1 and 303 W kg−1 respectively. The composite displayed very high capacitance loss i.e. 12% for 2000 cycles.129
Mao et al. synthesized the fungal conidium-derived carbon/MnO2 composite for SC application. Sulfur element from conidium enhanced electron transit and created readily available active sites for MnO2 nanosheet binding. The specific capacitance of 263.5 F g−1 was reported at 1 A g−1. The composite material revealed an energy density of 542 W h kg−1 at an outstanding power density of 1000 W kg−1 but 17% capacitance loss was observed for only 2000 cycles.130
The MnO2/allium-giganteum-like biocarbon (KWB) derived from sugarcane bagasse composite was fabricated by Chen et al. KWBM was created by binding MnO2 nanosheets on the surface of biocarbon. The composite material showed a specific capacitance of 402 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in a three-electrode assembly. KWBM-4 was used as the positive electrode and KWB as the negative electrode to create an asymmetric two-electrode setup which exhibited an energy density of 25.9 W h kg−1 at a superior power density of 750 W kg−1. The composite material displayed excellent cyclic stability with 94.2% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles.131
Chen et al. synthesized carbon derived from soybean stalk with MnO2. They reported that nanostructured MnO2 with a highly porous and conductive matrix had improved pseudocapacitive kinetics. The electrode material exhibited a specific capacitance of 384.9 F g−1 at low current density. It revealed an energy density and good power density of 32.3 W h kg−1 and 9.58 kW kg−1 respectively. The material showed 90.7% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles.132
For a high-performance SC, Kong et al. fabricated carbon derived from wheat bran which was further decorated with MnO2 nanosheets. Due to hierarchical porous carbon, the material enhances ion or electron transmission. MnO2@PAC as the positive electrode and PAC as the negative electrode were used for the asymmetric SC. The electrode material displayed a specific capacitance of 258 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Also, it exhibited an energy density of 32.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 450 W kg−1. The capacitance retention of 93.6% was achieved after 10000 charge–discharge cycles.133
Feng et al. reported biomass-derived carbon with incorporation of MnO2 for SC application. In this work, P, N, and O-tri-doped egg yolk-derived carbon were used. The heteroatom-doped biomass-derived carbon improved electrochemical properties. The electrode material delivered a specific capacitance of 341 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The electrode material exhibited a power density of 0.2 W kg−1 with 38.4 W h kg−1 energy density and low capacitance loss was observed for 10000 cycles. In this report, the material showed good specific capacitance and energy density but very low power density than other reports.134
Li et al. prepared 3D porous MnO2@carbon nanosheets synthesized from rambutan peel. They fabricated an asymmetric SC of MnO2@R//NR-800 by using the MnO2@R composite material as a positive electrode and NR-800 as a negative electrode. The results showed a low specific capacitance of 139.6 F g−1 at very low current density. It showed cycling life i.e., 92% capacitance retention after 5000 charge–discharge cycles with an energy density of 9.2 W h kg−1 and good power density of 1283.7 W kg−1.135
Li et al. reported MnO2 nanosheets derived from agaric grown on biomass-derived N-doped carbon for an asymmetric SC. The composite material showed good electrochemical performance due to the 3D pore structure and large specific surface area. It exhibited a specific capacitance of 330 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and very low cyclic stability i.e., 75% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles. Also, the electrode showed a low energy density of 28 W h kg−1 at a power density of 560 W kg−1.136
Li et al. fabricated a MnOx nanosheet anchored on lotus seed pod-derived carbon composite for a high-performance SC. The prepared MnOx@LSCF hybrid electrode material comprised a 3D conductive network and ultrathin MnOx nanosheets with oxygen vacancies, which can boost intrinsic electron and ion transmission and allow for adequate surface faradaic redox reactions. The electrode material showed a specific capacitance of 406 F g−1 with a capacitance retention of 91% after 5000 cycles. The material delivered low energy as well as power density.137
Yu et al. fabricated an electrode material for an SC from a MnO2 nanosheet composite with bamboo leaf (MnO2@BL) carbon. The SEM and TEM images of BL and MnO2@BL are depicted in Fig. 11 along with the EDS map. A specific capacitance of 76 F g−1 was achieved at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. It showed a 14% loss for 5000 cycles.138
Fig. 11 (a and b) SEM images of BL-3, (c) TEM image of BL-3, (d and e) SEM images of MnO2@BL-3 h, (f) TEM image of MnO2@BL, and (g) MnO2@BL-3-6 h EDS map. Reproduced from ref. 138 with permission from ACS, copyright 2023. |
The work done by Mohammed et al. demonstrated a hybrid SC device. The MnO2 nanowires were decorated on the Faidherbia Albida fruit shell (FAFSC) carbon sphere. They fabricated a symmetric device using MnO2/FAFSC as a negative and positive electrode while MnO2/FAFSC as a negative electrode for an asymmetric SC. The composite electrode material showed electrochemical performance in two different electrolytes such as 3 M KOH and 1 M Na2SO4. It revealed specific capacitances of 426 F g−1 and 202.5 F g−1 in 3 M KOH and 1 M Na2SO4 respectively. The electrode material delivered a good cycle life of 97% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles. Also, it exhibited 32 W h kg−1 energy density at 400 W kg−1 power density.140
Zang et al. synthesized a MnO2/biomass-derived carbon composite using silkworm excrement. The thin and flower-like MnO2 nanowires were decorated on biomass-derived carbon. The hybrid electrode material displayed a specific capacitance of 238 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 current density of 1 M Na2SO4. It exhibited an energy density of 38.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 698 W kg−1 with 7% capacitance loss for 2000 cycles.141
For a high-energy asymmetric SC, Nirmaladevi et al. synthesized MnO2 nanorods with carbon derived from Acacia leucophloea wood sawdust. Electrochemical characteristics were determined using three and two electrode set ups. The composite material revealed a specific capacitance of 290 F g−1 in the two-electrode cell configuration and 512 F g−1 in the three-electrode assembly at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and 7% capacitance loss for 10000 cycles. The electrode materials showed an energy density and power density of 74.3 W h kg−1 and 1996.4 W kg−1 respectively.143
Hu et al. synthesized MnO2/poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) core–shell nanoflakes on ramie-derived fiber. The electrochemical performances shown in Fig. 12 were measured using a two-electrode assembly in PVA/KCl gel solid-state electrolyte. The hybrid electrode material revealed a high specific capacitance of 922 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The fabricated flexible solid-state symmetric device showed a specific capacitance of 138 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and 17% capacitance loss after 10000 cycles. It showed an energy density of 19.17 W h kg−1 at a power density of 500 W kg−1.145
Fig. 12 (a) CV curves of the RCFs/MnO2 electrodes with different electrodeposition times at 50 mV s−1. (b) CV curves at varied potential scan rates of the RCFs/MnO2 electrode with MnO2 deposited for 5 min. (c) Charge–discharge curves at different current densities of the RCFs/MnO2 electrode with MnO2 deposited for 5 min. (d) CV curves of the RCFs/MnO2/PEDOT electrodes with different polymerization times at 50 mV s−1. (e) CV curves at varied potential scan rates of the RCFs/MnO2/PEDOT electrode with PEDOT deposited for 120 s. (f) Charge–discharge curves at different current densities of the RCFs/MnO2/PEDOT electrode with PEDOT deposited for 120 s. Reproduced from ref. 145 with permission from ACS, copyright 2016. |
Fig. 13 (a) CV curves of GC, AGC, and AGC@MnO2 at 100 mV s−1. (b) GCD curves of GC, AGC, and AGC@MnO2 at 1 A g−1. (c) CV curves of AGC@MnO2 at different scan rates. (d) GCD curves of AGC@MnO2 at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 A g−1. Reproduced from ref. 150 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2020. |
Tan et al. synthesized the composite of MnO2 with sisal hemp active carbon (SHAC) and used it as an electrode material which showed a specific capacitance of 397.9 F g−1. An asymmetric SC was assembled by employing flower-like MnO2/SHAC as the positive electrode and layered SHAC as the negative electrode. It exhibited capacitance retention of 80.4% after 5000 cycles. The electrode material revealed an energy density and superior power density of 46.2 W h kg−1 and 3679.5 W kg−1 respectively.151
Li et al. prepared an asymmetric all solid-state SC from biomass waste-derived carbon from corncob and MnO2 composite. The MnO2@corncob composite material delivered an excellent electrochemical performance in PVA/LiCl gel electrolyte. The composite electrode material revealed an areal specific capacitance of 3455 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 and only 1% loss of capacitance was observed after 10000 cycles. It exhibited a very low energy and power density of 1.56 mW h cm−2 and 900 mW cm−2 respectively.152
Yu et al. synthesized Typha orientalis leaves biomass-derived P-doped porous carbon and MnO2 hybrid electrodes for high-performance SCs. The electrode material delivered a specific capacitance of 384 F g−1 in 1 M KOH at 1 A g−1 current density. The fabricated asymmetric SC device displayed an energy density of 46 W h kg−1 at a high-power density of 1000 W kg−1. However, it showed a huge capacitance loss i.e. 17% after 10000 cycles.153
Konnerth et al. synthesized MO-doped AC from biomass-derived materials such as bakery waste and coffee grounds. They used MOs such as Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and MnO2, to fabricate composites with bakery waste and coffee grounds. The electrochemical performance tests were carried out in 0.5 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. The better electrochemical results were obtained for the AC spent coffee ground-MnO2 electrode material. An 875 F g−1 specific capacitance achieved at 5 mV s−1 scan rate and 40.3 F g−1 was observed for bakery waste containing Fe2O3 doping.154
The work done by Palem et al. synthesized carboxymethyl cellulose with a CuO@MnO2 hybrid material. The material showed good electrochemical performance due to its unique nanocrystalline morphology. The electrochemical properties were measured in 3 M KOH as an electrolyte. This composite material showed a specific capacitance of 414 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 current density with 96.2% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles.155
The experiment performed by Wen et al. used disposable bamboo chopsticks and converted them into carbon fibers. MnO2 was grown on carbon fiber to obtain a composite material. The MnO2 nanoparticles were observed on the surface of carbon fibers which are clearly shown in Fig. 14. The self-supported and binder-free composite electrode material showed better electrochemical performance in aqueous 1 M Na2SO4 solution. The composite material exhibited a specific capacitance of 375 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and outstanding capacitance retention i.e., 110.3% was achieved after 5000 cycles. The symmetric SC consists of carbon fiber and MnO2 electrodes delivering an energy density of 11 W h kg−1 at 17.4 kW kg−1 power density.156
Fig. 14 (a) SEM images and (b) corresponding enlarged view of CFS/MnO2. (c) TEM image and (d) corresponding enlarged view of CFS/MnO2. Reproduced from ref. 156 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2017. |
A three-dimensional hybrid kenaf stem-derived porous carbon and MnO2 composite was prepared by Wang et al., for a high-performance SC. The three-dimensional porous structure of carbon (as shown in Fig. 15) delivered a conductive network to enhance the charge transport and mass transfer in the electrochemical process and improve large MnO2 mass loading capacity. The specific capacitance achieved by the composite material was 416 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1 with the lowest energy density as well as power density of 17.3 W h kg−1 and 198 W kg−1 respectively. Moreover, it also suffers from low cyclic stability i.e., 86% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles.157
Fig. 15 (a) SEM image of 3D-PC. (b–d) SEM images of MnO2/3D-PC after a 200 min deposition. (b) Top view. (c) Side view. (d) Cross-section. TEM (e) and HRTEM (f) images of MnO2/3D-PC. Reproduced from ref. 157 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2014. |
Yang and Park synthesized MnO2/biomass-derived 3D porous carbon from banana peel by a hydrothermal method. The pore images of the BPC composite are shown in Fig. 16. Due to the 3D porous structure, the material showed good electrochemical performance. The electrochemical tests were carried out using three-electrode cell configurations in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. The composite material exhibited a gravimetric capacitance of 139.6 F g−1 at 300 mA g−1. Also, it delivered a good cyclic life of 92.3% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles.158
Fig. 16 SEM images of (a and b) BPC at different magnifications, (c) MnO2 particles, and (d–f) MnO2/BPC composites at different magnifications. Reproduced from ref. 158 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2018. |
Wang et al. fabricated a device using MnO2/orange peel as the biomass-derived material for a solid-state carbon-based SC. The schematic illustration of the synthesized material and characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and HRTEM are shown in Fig. 17. The electrochemical performance of the electrode material was measured using a three-electrode assembly in 1 M Na2SO4 while PVA gel electrolyte was used for the device. The composite material displayed 186 F g−1 gravimetric capacitance and areal capacitance of 3987 mF cm−1. The material showed huge capacitance loss i.e. 16%.159
Fig. 17 (a) The schematic illustration of the fabrication of the MnO2@OPHPC composite. (b) SEM image, (c) TEM image, and (d and e) HRTEM images of MnO2@OPHPC. (f) XRD of MnO2@OPHPC, (g) survey XPS spectra of OPHPC and MnO2@OPHPC, and (h) Mn 2p core-level XPS spectrum of MnO2@OPHPC. Reproduced from ref. 159 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2018. |
For a high-performance SC, Liu et al. deposited MnO2 nanostructures on graphene-like porous carbon nanosheets (GPCN-SS). The SEM and TEM images of porous carbon and MnO2/GPCN-SS composites are shown in Fig. 18. Due to the synergistic effect of GPCN-SS and MnO2 nanostructures, the composite material showed a gravimetric specific capacitance of 438 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. The asymmetric SC was prepared with the MnO2/GPCN-SS composite as the cathode and GPCN-SS as the anode. Moreover, the MnO2/GPCN-SS electrode material displayed an energy density of 50.2 W h kg−1 at 516 W kg−1 power density. However, 22% of capacitance loss was observed for 10000 cycles.160
Fig. 18 SEM images of GPCN-SS (a) and MnO2/GPCN-SS (b–d) at different magnifications; the inset of (a) shows the HRTEM image of GPCN-SS. (e and f) TEM images of MnO2/GPCN-SS at different magnifications. Reproduced from ref. 160 with permission from ACS, copyright 2019. |
Ping et al., in their work, incorporated MnO2 with biomass-derived porous carbon from natural Juncus effusus. The electrochemical performances were measured in a neutral 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The composite material delivered a low specific capacitance of 238 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The energy density and power density for the symmetric device were 19.13 W h kg−1 and 225 W kg−1. However, it suffered from poor cyclic stability and very huge capacitance loss i.e. 14% after 5000 cycles.161 Yumak et al. successfully synthesized biomass-derived AC from Kanlow switchgrass and decorated it with MnO2. The specific surface area of the material increased by direct KOH and H3PO4 activation. Fig. 19 shows the SEM images of materials. However, a notable effect was observed for the KOH-activated biochar. The hybrid composite material showed low specific capacitance of 110 F g−1 for 1000 cycles in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte.162
Fig. 19 SEM microstructures of the activated carbons: a) KOH-K, b) KOH-KB, c) H3PO4-K, d) H3PO4-KB, e) MnO2/KOH-KB, and f) MnO2/H3PO4-KB. Reproduced from ref. 162 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2020. |
For a high-performance SC, Du et al. synthesized an electrode material from a wheat flour-derived matrix decorated with MnO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, and elemental mapping along with the SAED pattern as shown in Fig. 20. The electrode material exhibited a specific capacitance of 197 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 current density with a remarkable capacitance retention of 100% after 5000 cycles. The symmetric SC was prepared with WFC@MnO2 as positive and negative electrodes which resulted in an energy density of 17.1 W h kg−1 at an excellent power density of 11000 W kg−1 and only 5% loss of capacitance retention after 5000 charge–discharge cycles.163
Fig. 20 SEM images of (a) WFC-0, (b) WFC-2, (c) WFC-4, (d) WFC-6, (e and f) WFC-4@MnO2, (g and h) TEM images of WFC-4@MnO2, the inset shows the corresponding SAED pattern from the edge of MnO2, and (i) HRTEM image of WFC-4@MnO2. (j) Element mapping images of C, O, and Mn. Reproduced from ref. 163 with permission from Elsevier, copyright 2023. |
Table 2 highlights the latest reports on MnO2 and biomass-derived carbon composites for SC applications. Notably, these studies emphasize on the morphology of MnO2 and electrochemical studies of composite materials.
Sr. no. | Morphology of metal oxide | Biomass-derived carbon | Specific capacitance (F g−1) | Scan rate/current density | Energy density (W h kg−1) | Power density (W kg−1) | Cyclic stability (capacitance retention %, cycles) | Electrolyte | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | MnO2 nanorods | Sweet potato | 718 | 10 mV s−1 | 66.4 | 1980 | 89%, 5000 | 1 M Na2SO4 | 164 |
2. | Two-dimensional layered δ-MnO2 | Bamboo fibre | 364.4 (2E) | 0.5 A g−1 | 12.6 | 164 | 99.7%, 10000 | 6 M KOH | 165 |
3. | MnO2/CuO/rGO | Lemon peel | 177 | 2 A g−1 | 79.60 | 2430 | 90%, 10000 | 1 M Na2SO4 | 166 |
4. | MnO2 | Eggplant | 652 | 0.5 A g−1 | — | — | 79.2%, 10000 | 1 M Na2SO4 | 167 |
5. | MnO2 | Wood | 87 | 1 A g−1 | 12.2 | 22.3 | 75.2%, 10000 | — | 168 |
6. | MnO2 | Datura stramonium seedpod | 700 | 5 mV s−1 | — | — | 86%, 3000 | 0.5 M Na2SO4 | 169 |
7. | MnO2 nanofibers | Pineapple leaf | 195 | 0.1 A g−1 | 26.8 | 120.5 | 84.5%, 10000 | 1 M H2SO4 | 170 |
8. | δ-MnO2 nanosheets | Lignin | 198 | — | 3.82 | 125 | — | — | 171 |
9. | MnO2 nanoflowers | Bacterial cellulose | 170 | 1 A g−1 | 9.8 | 10500 | 76%, 5000 | 1 M Na2SO4 | 172 |
10. | MnO2 | Luffa sponge | 586 | 1 A g−1 | 31.4 | 400 | 95%, 20000 | 0.5 M Na2SO4 | 173 |
11. | δ-MnO2 | Reed residue | 128.75 | 0.5 A g−1 | 22.7 | 15.1k | 98.7%, 10000 | 1 M Na2SO4 | 174 |
12. | MnO2 | Wood tracheids | 13.55 F cm−2 | 10 mA cm−2 | 0.875 mW cm−2 | 9 mW cm−2 | 93.21%, 10000 | 1 M Na2SO4 | 175 |
Recent reports on MnO2 and several carbon-based composite electrode materials for SCs obtained from different biomasses are shown in Table 2. It illustrates the specific capacitance, power density, current density, scan rate, cyclic stability, and various electrolytes used in electrochemical reactions. Different shapes of MnO2 such as nanorods, nanofibers, nanosheets, and nanoflowers were mentioned. Most of the experiments were conducted using plant-derived carbon. In the studies, the electrolytes Na2SO4, KOH, and H2SO4 were widely used. The table elucidates that the highest specific capacitance reported in MnO2 nanorod and carbon derived from sweet potato material is 718 F g−1 with 10 mV s−1 scan rate. Although it has a low energy density and power density, the two-dimensional layered δ-MnO2 and biomass-generated carbon from bamboo fiber exhibits exceptional cyclic stability, with 99.7% after 10000 cycles. The outstanding power density of 15.1 kW kg−1 with good capacitance retention of 98.7% after 10000 cycles is revealed by δ-MnO2 and carbon generated from reed residue waste. MnO2 and carbon made from bacterial cellulose have good power densities of 10500 W kg−1 but have low specific energies and energy densities of 170 F g−1 and 9.8 W h kg−1, respectively. With a specific capacitance of 177 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 current density and an energy density of 79.60 W h kg−1 at a power density of 2430 W kg−1, the MnO2/CuO/r-GO composite with carbon generated from lemon peel was employed to synthesize an electrode material. The lowest specific capacitance, energy density, and power density were found in the MnO2 and carbon produced from wood tracheids, with values of 13.55 F cm−2, 0.875 mW h cm−2, and 9 mW cm−2, respectively. MnO2 and carbon produced from wood have poor cycle stability. In most of the reports, electrochemical testing was done using a three-electrode assembly.
The first main approach involves development of newer and more efficient synthesis techniques both for MnO2 and carbon. Although most of the synthesis methods are well-optimized to obtain MnO2 with desired features there is still considerable scope for the development of in situ methods that will directly form the film of material on the desired substrate to be used as an electrode. The new developments in thin film technologies have come up with several efficient methods but they need to be adapted or suitably modified to obtain complex shapes (such as core–shell or porous) of the desired materials. Layer by layer assembly of the materials is also a requirement in some applications. Meanwhile, almost all reports about biomass-derived carbon have used pyrolysis and carbonization methods at high temperatures in an inert atmosphere to obtain the carbon. As these methods require high energy, a one-step preparation process that yields the highest quality carbon at the lowest possible temperatures should be invented under the advocacy of energy saving and emission reduction. So far, in the real application of SCs, the flexibility of electrodes and cyclic stability of the electrode materials are highly valued. So, there is a need to develop efficient synthesis methods that will yield stable electroactive materials sustainable under various conditions.
As far as electrochemical testing is concerned, the most used electrolytes are still Na2SO4, KOH, H2SO4, etc. So, there is a need to develop and test new electrolytes that are more stable as well as less corroding in nature and can offer wide potential windows. Polymer or gel-based electrolytes that can be used in all solid-state devices need to be tested and compared. The use of non-aqueous or solid electrolytes sounds more practical towards device fabrication but it will need detailed studies about the electrode–electrolyte (solid–solid or solid–gel) interfaces that will reveal the mechanisms of energy storage and conduction. The interface barriers (resistance) should be minimized by using suitable surface modification techniques for the electrodes or by inventing electrolytes compatible with different electrode materials. For this purpose, functional polymer-based electrolytes are being investigated with great interest.
Another important consideration is the film forming property and processability of various materials developed. The thin films of MnO2 and carbon-based active electrodes influence the faradaic processes at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Not all materials or composites give stable films. Hence there is a need to develop composite materials that are adherent with excellent film-forming properties on various substrates such as nickel foam, graphite, carbon cloth etc. to give the best electrochemical performance. To summarise, significant efforts should be made to develop new and efficient composite electrode materials to be included in flexible and compressible SC devices.
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