Flower-like ZnO@MnCo2O4 nanosheet structures on nickel foam as novel electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors

Hierarchical flower-like ZnO@MnCo2O4 nanosheets and dandelion-like MnCo2O4 were synthesized on nickel foam using a facile and cost-effective hydrothermal approach combined with a short post-annealing treatment. The surface properties, crystalline phase, and electrochemical properties of the flower-like and dandelion-like electrodes were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The flower-like ZnO@MnCo2O4 nanosheet electrode exhibited high specific capacitance of 631.2 F g−1 and a high energy density of 56.10 W h kg−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, which is higher than that of the dandelion-like MnCo2O4 electrode (452.5 F g−1). Impressively, as an electrode material for supercapacitors, the flower-like ZnO@MnCo2O4 also shows exceptional cycling performance over 1000 charge/discharge cycles, indicating good long-term cycling stability. These results highlight the unique ZnO@MnCo2O4 electrode as a promising electrode for energy storage applications in supercapacitors.