Enrich the competency of MnCo2O4 electrode exposed under air plasma to achieve superior coulombic efficiency in super capacitors

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 130; no. 8
• Main Authors: K C, Sowmiya, Vijayalakshmi, K A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Air plasma; Capacitance; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Cobalt oxides; Condensed Matter Physics; Contact angle; Cost analysis; Effectiveness; Electrode materials; Electrodes; Electrons; Field emission microscopy; Fourier transforms; High resolution electron microscopy; Infrared analysis; Infrared spectroscopy; Machines; Manganese; Manufacturing; Material properties; Metal oxides; Microscopy; Morphology; Nanomaterials; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Raman spectroscopy; Spectroscopic analysis; Spectrum analysis; Structural analysis; Supercapacitors; Surfaces and Interfaces; Synthesis; Thin Films; Vibration mode; Wettability; Cold plasma treatment; Surface modification; Supercapacitor applications; Solid state synthesis; High specific capacitance
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-024-07738-7

The study presents the synthesis and characterization of manganese cobalt oxide (MnCo 2 O 4 ) nano particles for potential use as cathode materials in supercapacitors. The synthesis method employed is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly top-down solid-state approach. Phase purity is confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis post-calcination at 600 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveals notable metal oxide vibrational modes in the MnCo 2 O 4 . Raman analysis is utilized for structural characterization, while contact angle measurements assess material wettability. Morphological features are examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and elemental colour mapping. Introducing plasma treatment enhances material properties including intensity, bending vibrations, morphology, and capacitance, as demonstrated through galvanostatic charge-discharge tests (GCD). The resulting air plasma-treated MnCo 2 O 4 exhibits a significant capacitance of 897 F/g at 0.05 A/g in a 2 M KOH electrolyte, with long-term cyclic stability testing over 500 cycles revealing a calculated columbic efficiency of 90.15%. Overall, this study emphasizes the efficacy and simplicity of the method in producing MnCo 2 O 4 nanomaterials, demonstrating their potential as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. Graphical abstract