Abstract
In the current study, we have synthesized a binder free nickel foam graphene MnO2@PANI (MnO2@PANI/graphene) nanocomposite by simple hydrothermal method followed by in situ polymerization. The graphene grown on nickel foam is used as a 3D scaffold conducting substrate for binder free nanocomposite electrode synthesis. Morphological characterization of the nanocomposite reveals growth of the MnO2 intercalated PANI nanorods-like network. The electrochemical study demonstrates very interesting electrode activation phenomenon, i.e. increase in specific capacitance upto 1500 charge-discharge cycles. The activated MnO2@PANI/graphene nanocomposite exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 1369 F g(-1) at 3 A g(-1) current density and excellent rate capability of more than 70% by varying current density from 3 A g(-1) to 15 A g(-1). The activated electrode displays good cyclic stability by retaining SC over 83% after 5000 cycles.