An atom-economy route for the fabrication of α-MnS@C microball with ultrahigh supercapacitance: The significance of in-situ vulcanization

In this study, we have introduced a facile, effective and low-cost process of in-situ vulcanization for preparing alpha-MnS@C composite via simple calcination-thermolysis of one manganese coordination polymer (CP-1-ZX). In this procedure, the 1D chain [-Mn-SO4-]infinity in CP-1-ZX is completely reduced into alpha-MnS by the as-synthesized carbon. So the in-situ vulcanization provides an atom-economy route to fabricate sulfides by using least synthetic steps and sulfur sources. The alpha-MnS@C composite maintains the microball morphology of CP-1-ZX precursor, which is composed of many core-shell nanoparticles. Due to high porosity, hierarchical pores and good conductivity, the specific capacitance of alpha-MnS@C is up to 856F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1), and keeps 82% retention after 5000 cycles. Meanwhile, one asymmetric supercapacitor cell (ASC) is assembled by combining alpha-MnS@C with commercial active carbon (AC). The alpha-MnS@C//AC device delivers prominent energy density of 28.4 Wh kg(-1) at power density of 395 W kg(-1), and still retains 17.8 Wh kg(-1) at 8020 W kg(-1). Furthmore, four tandem ASC devices can brightly glow a lamp bulb for 30 s. Therefore, the alpha-MnS@C composite shows great applications in supercapacitors. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study introduced a facile and low-cost process of in-situ vulcanization to prepare alpha-MnS@C composite, which exhibits high specific capacitance and cycling stability, making it suitable for supercapacitor applications.