Hybrid supercapacitor based on AC/MnO2 cotton fabric electrodes and polymer electrolyte membrane

Current research in the field of supercapacitors is focused on increasing energy density and using low-cost, environment-friendly materials. Initially, to increase the energy density, high surface area activated carbon (AC) electrodes were studied together with neutral aqueous electrolytes in an attempt to optimize the use of carbon and increase the maximum operating voltage. The capacitive limits of the supercapacitors based on AC / AC electrodes and aqueous electrolytes have been widely reached and confirmed by the scientists and therefore new ways have been chosen to further improve these limits. In recent decades, new types of materials that allow to increase the energy density have been identified in some metal oxides, materials that can give fast reversible surface processes of fararadaic type. In fact, the hybrid supercapacitor using a metal oxide (MO) material in a positive electrode with pseudocapacitive features and a negative electrode (AC) with capacitive properties provided greater capacitive performance and wider cell voltage. This work presents the development of an hybrid supercapacitor based on Mn02 / AC electrodes and Aquivion membrane. In addition, a suitably modified cotton fabric was used as a support for the electrodes due to its low cost and environmental compatibility.