Synthesis of flower-type nanorods with Zn-doped manganese vanadate (Mn(VO3)2) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) for enhanced performance in battery-type supercapacitors

Among the various novel electrode materials prepared to enhance the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors, ordered nanoarray structures stand out as highly promising candidates for use as binder-free electrodes. In this study, flower type nanorods of zinc manganese vanadate (MnZn3(VO4)2) grown on 3-D nickel foam, with additional incorporation of Carbon nanofibers (CNFs)(MZVC) by using a one-step hydrothermal method. The nanostructured MZVC electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 469 Fg−1 at a current density of 0.5 Ag−1, surpassing the specific capacitance values of the pristine electrodes (ZV-304 Fg−1, MV-263 Fg−1) and MZV − 333 Fg−1) at the same current density. Remarkably, the MZVC composite electrode exhibited an exceptional retention rate of approximately 82.6 % even after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. All of the fabricated electrodes underwent comprehensive characterization utilizing different analytical techniques to assess their structural, and surface morphological attributes. Further, Electrochemical behavior was assessed for ZV, MV, MZV, and MZVC nanostructures through cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge /discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). This 3D porous flower-type electrode structure offers an abundance of active sites for electrochemical reactions, enables efficient electron and ion transport, and mitigates the aggregation of MZVC flower structures throughout prolonged cycling.