Morphology Modulation of ZnMn2O4 Nanoparticles Deposited In Situ on Carbon Cloth for Supercapacitors

Abstract

As a typical spinel structure material, ZnMn2O4 has been widely researched in the field of electrode materials. However, ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles as electrode materials for supercapacitors have the disadvantages of low conductivity, inferior structural integrity, and easy aggregation, resulting in unsatisfying electrochemical performance. In this work, we use a hydrothermal method and high-temperature calcination to deposit ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles on carbon cloth and explore the influence of hydrothermal reaction time on the deposition morphology and distribution of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles on carbon cloth. The deposition process of ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles on carbon cloth was analyzed, and a ZMO-9 electrode was deduced to be the most suitable electrode for supercapacitors. A series of electrochemical performance tests show that the ZMO-9 electrode has excellent specific capacitance (specific capacity) (499 F·g−1 (299.4 C·g−1) at a current density of 1 A·g−1) and rate performance (75% capacitance retention at a current density of 12 A·g−1). The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor has an energy density of 46.6 Wh·kg−1 when the power density is 800.1 W·kg−1. This work provides a reference for the structural design of ZnMn2O4 supercapacitor electrode materials and the improvement of electrochemical properties.