Elucidating hydrothermally synthesized CNTs-MnO2 composites through electrochemical scrutiny for wielding electrodes in energy storage

Search of materials with better electrochemical performance is currently one of the key interests around the globe. In this context, the electrochemical characteristics of MnO2/CNTs (manganese dioxide/carbon nanotubes) composites prepared in two simple steps have been reported. X-ray diffraction confirmed the structural purity of the composite contents revealing that the intensity of peaks first decreased and after the addition of more CNTs, the intensity of the peaks started to increase. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to examine the surface morphology of MnO2/CNTs composites which indicated that with increase of CNTs contents, the granular size of MnO2 particles slightly decreased. The conductivity was inspected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which demonstrated that increase in CNTs concentration provided conducting channels for charge transportation. The energy density calculations revealed that maximum energy density was observed for the composition with 0.5% CNTs. These characteristics inferred that the composite material could be utilized as an electrode in electric batteries and energy storage devices.