journal article·2025-09Open access

Revolutionizing Micro‐Supercapacitors: Tuning MnO2 Electrode Polarity and Redox Activity for Superior Energy Storage

Situo Cheng, Zhihui Zhang, Jianfeng Yan, Tianyu Yang, Junli Zhang, Jiecai Fu

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 35· Issue 39

Abstract

Abstract Micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) have emerged as indispensable power solutions for modern microelectronics, offering rapid charge/discharge capabilities, high power delivery, and exceptional cycling stability. However, their energy density remains limited due to the lower electrode capacitance and narrower voltage window of conventional symmetrical micro‐supercapacitors (SMSCs). In this study, a novel strategy is presented to maximize the energy density of MnO2‐based SMSCs by modulating their electrode polarity and redox activity. Specifically, the non‐lattice oxygen concentration in MnO2 is focused on tuning to introduce additional redox‐active sites, thus improving charge storage capacity and energy density. Using operando electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) analysis reveals a multi‐step redox mechanism involving lattice water‐assisted transformations and non‐lattice oxygen pathways, providing unprecedented insights into MnO2’s electrochemical behavior in alkaline electrolytes. The engineered symmetric MnO2 MSCs achieve an outstanding energy density of 33.63 µW h cm−2 at a power density of 1.12 mW cm−2, retaining full performance under mechanical deformation. The alkaline electrolyte further inhibits disproportionation reaction, preserving active material integrity and cycling durability. This work not only unveils the pivotal role of non‐lattice oxygen in MnO2 electrochemical polarity but also provides a promising pathway for designing high‐energy‐density, flexible MSCs to power next‐generation microdevices.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication · Advanced battery technologies research · Advancements in Battery Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Physical Science and Technology Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

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