Oxalate-assisted synthesis of MnCo2O4 nanoparticles on layered MXene (Ti3C2Tx) for supercapacitor application
Shahram Emami, M. Hasheminiasari, S.M. Masoudpanah, Reza Omrani, Sina Ghaemi
Abstract
The synthesis of MnCo 2 O 4 /Ti 3 C 2 Tx composite powders was achieved through a hydrothermal method facilitated by oxalate assistance. To assess the influence of MXene levels (0, 25, and 50 wt%) on microstructure, structure, and electrochemical performance, modern characterization methods were applied in this study. The mixed manganese‑cobalt oxalates were precipitated on the layered MXene by adding a proper amount of oxalic acid to the Nitride solution. The MnCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles were then crystallized by heat treatment at 450 °C for one hour in a nitrogen gas atmosphere. The pristine MnCo 2 O 4 had a columnar-like morphology, which was transformed into a fine particulate microstructure by combining with MXene. These pristine MnCo 2 O 4 powders indicated a higher specific capacitance of 1116 F g −1 , significantly exceeding the 640.5 Fg −1 recorded for the pristine layered MXene. The Incorporation of 25 wt% layered MXene enhanced the specific capacitance to a remarkable 1500 Fg −1 , attributed to its finer microstructure. Under a current rate of 1 Ag −1 , the capacitor composed of MnCo₂O₄-25 wt% MXene//activated carbon achieved an energy density of 43.5 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 1411 W kg −1 .