Hydrothermal Self-Assembly of α-MnSe-Loaded Honeycomb-Like Biomimetic Ti3C2T x /Graphene Aerogel Microstructure (α-MnSe/Ti3C2T x /rGO) as Efficient Electrode Material for Energy Storage Application

Abstract

Recently,metal selenides have gathered considerableattentionfor use as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications becauseof their substantial theoretical capacities. However, sluggish iontransport and chemical or mechanical degradation of electrode materialsduring continuous operation severely hamper their electrochemicalperformance. Herein, we have assembled MnSe (& SIM;10-12nm) into a 3D Ti3C2T x /rGO aerogel scaffold with bimodal pore size distribution througha low temperature hydrothermal method, followed by freeze-drying.A 3D percolation network of as-prepared MnSe/Ti3C2T x /rGO aerogel (MnSe/TCGA) improved electrolytepenetration by providing multidimensional ion transmission channels.High intrinsic conductivity of Ti3C2T x in combination with rGO facilitated electronic transportduring electrochemical activity. Cellular sieves of the MnSe/TCGAaerogel scaffold effectively interlocked MnSe particles and therebyprevented pulverization and aggregation of active material. Consequently,a MnSe/TCGA electrode with a specific architecture exhibited a significantspecific capacity of 225.4 mAh/g at 1 A/g and maximum initial Coulombicefficiency of 99.5%, which surpassed the values obtained for its counterparts(i.e., MnSe/GA and MnSe). Furthermore, MnSe/TCGA showed an excellentrate capability (158 mAh/g at 12 A/g) and a superb life span (92.1%over 5000 cycles). When examined through impedance studies, MnSe/TCGArevealed low series and charge transfer resistances (R (s) = 2.6 & omega; and R (CT) =5.2 & omega;). Overall, as-obtained findings provide insight on constructinghigh performance 3D porous and hybrid microstructures to optimizeelectrochemical energy storage performance.