Single-step fabrication of Mn(iv) oxide-Mn(ii) sulfide/poly-2-mercaptoaniline porous network nanocomposite for pseudo-supercapacitors and charge storage

Abstract The single-step fabrication of the Mn( iv ) oxide-Mn( ii ) sulfide/Poly-2-mercaptoaniline porous network nanocomposite (MnO 2 -MnS/P2MA) involves incorporating the Mn source into the P2MA polymer during polymerization. XPS analysis confirms the presence of peaks corresponding to Mn( iv ) and Mn( ii ), while XRD analysis highlights the formation of pronounced crystalline peaks, indicative of excellent semiconductive properties, with a crystalline size of 42 nm. The nanocomposite serves as the main electrode for electrochemically assessing its charge storage capabilities. Optimal energy density ( E ) values are achieved at lower current densities, with 9.7 and 7.0 W h/kg at 0.6 and 1.0 A/g, respectively. Similarly, the specific capacitance ( C S ) reaches peak values of 120 and 86 F/g within the same current density range. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) behavior is notable, with an R s value of 7.3 Ω and an impressive cycle retention of 99.2% over 1,000 cycles. The combination of simple one-pot fabrication, excellent charge storage performance, and high stability underscores the potential of these materials for charge storage applications. The MnO 2 -MnS/P2MA nanocomposite’s superior EIS behavior, optimal energy and capacitance values, and remarkable cycle stability make it a promising candidate for efficient and reliable charge storage solutions.