Controlled synthesis of MnSn(OH)6/graphene nanocomposites and their electrochemical properties as capacitive materials

We report the synthesis of novel MnSn(OH)(6)/graphene nanocomposites produced by a co-precipitation method and their potential application for electrochemical energy storage. The hydroxide decorated graphene nanocomposites display better performance over pure MnSn(OH)(6) nanoparticles because the graphene sheets act as conductive bridges improving the ionic and electronic transport. The crystallinity of MnSn(OH)(6) nanoparticles deposited on the surface of graphene sheets also impacts the capacitive properties as electrodes. The maximum capacitance of 31.2 F/g (59.4 F/g based on the mass of MnSn(OH)(6) nanoparticles) was achieved for the sample with a low degree of crystallinity. No significant degradation of capacitance occurred after 500 cycles at a current density of 1.5 A/g in 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution, indicating an excellent electrochemical stability. The results serve as an example demonstrating the potential of integrating highly conductive graphene networks into binary metal hydroxide in improving the performance of active electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.