Electrodeposited Manganese Oxide based Redox Mediator Driven 2.2 V High Energy Density Aqueous Supercapacitor

Aqueous supercapacitors with enhanced energy densities are much needed for their non-toxic and environmental benignity. Metal oxide based pseudocapacitors enhance the specific capacitance and energy density of the device by enlarging the potential window of aqueous electrolyte beyond 1.0 V along with faradaic participation. To capture this advantage, MnO2 nanosheets are synthesized by ecofriendly electrodeposition technique. The charge storage capability of MnO2 in 0.5 M Na2SO4 could be extended to 1.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl, thus becoming the best positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). The effect of potassium iodide (KI) redox additive to the electrolyte in improving the energy density and device performance is analyzed with varying concentrations. ASC designed with YP-50 carbon and MnO2 as negative and positive electrodes in optimized KI concentration with 2.2 V electrochemical window resulted in superior specific capacitance of 134 F g(-1) and capacity retention of 83% for 10,000 cycles with a high energy density of 90 Wh kg(-1) owing to the dual pseudocapacitance of active material and electrolyte. The work further provides an understanding of MnO2 charge storage properties beyond the most reported 0-0.8/0-1.0 V potential window and redox mediator's role in boosting overall device performance in aqueous ASC's. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Aqueous supercapacitors with enhanced energy densities are in high demand due to their non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature. Metal oxide based pseudocapacitors can enhance the specific capacitance and energy density of the device by enlarging the potential window of the aqueous electrolyte and participating in faradaic reactions. In this study, MnO2 nanosheets were synthesized using an ecofriendly electrodeposition technique, and were found to be the best positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) due to their high charge storage capability. The effect of potassium iodide (KI) redox additive in the electrolyte on the energy density and device performance was also investigated. ASCs designed with YP-50 carbon and MnO2 as negative and positive electrodes, and optimized KI concentration, exhibited superior specific capacitance, capacity retention, and high energy density. The research provides a deeper understanding of MnO2's charge storage properties and the role of redox mediators in enhancing overall device performance in aqueous ASCs.