Elucidating the electrochemical performance of manganese dioxide incorporated poly(methyl methacrylate) membranes for supercapacitors

Abstract

The performance of electrochemical supercapacitors is greatly affected by electrodes, which are considered one of the most significant components. This article sheds light on manganese dioxide (MnO₂)-incorporated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membranes as electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The interaction between MnO₂ and PMMA is justified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology of MnO₂@PMMA membranes was observed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that a 7.5 wt% MnO₂@PMMA membrane exhibited the highest electrochemical performance. GCD tests revealed that the 7.5 wt% MnO₂@PMMA membrane showed a maximum specific capacitance of 361 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 125 mA g⁻¹ with a maximum energy density of 144 W h kg⁻¹ and maximum power density of 1135 W kg⁻¹. The membrane displayed 87% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. The fabricated interdigital microsupercapacitor device revealed the highest specific capacitance of 528 mF g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.15 mA g⁻¹ with a maximum energy density of 47 mW h kg⁻¹ and maximum power density of 400 mW kg⁻¹.