The improved electrochemical performance of MnO2 nanorods decorated with polyaniline as efficient electrode towards high-performance supercapacitors

Energy storage is an emergent and enlarging requirement due to its potential need in electronic applications such as power back systems, electronic gadgets, and electrical vehicles. Many materials and their combination have been utilized to get high-performance supercapacitors; likewise, MnO2 is the most exposed candidate for better electrochemical performance. However, MnO2 still needs to improve its poor electronic conductivity, posing a challenge in energy storage applications. Here, we addressed the synthesis of MnO2Nanorods (MnO2NRs) and MnO2Nanorods@Polyaniline (MnO2NRs@PANI) composite through hydrothermal and in situ polymerization methods. Moreover, as obtained, MnO2NRs and MnO2NRs@PANI were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and SEM–EDS techniques. Further, the capacitive nature of the prepared MnO2NRs and MnO2NRs@PANI nanocomposites was analyzed using CV (Cyclic Voltammetry), GCD (Galvanostatic Charge Discharge cycles), Cyclic Stability, and EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) in 1 M KOH electrolyte solutions. As modified MnO2NRs@PANI electrode material exhibited the most significant specific capacitance (Cs) of 1460 F/g at 2 mV/s and magnificent specific capacity (Q) of 980 C/g at 1 A/g, desirable electrochemical stability as capacitance retention is 80% over 4000 CV curves including superior energy density (108.8 Wh/Kg) in contrast to raw material (MnO2NRs). These results confirmed that the as-prepared MNO2NRs@PANI nanocomposite is an excellent active electrode candidate for efficient supercapacitors with desirable properties. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.