Hierarchically Structured Co(3)O(4)@Pt@MnO(2) Nanowire Arrays for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Here we proposed a novel architectural design of a ternary MnO(2)-based electrode – a hierarchical Co(3)O(4)@Pt@MnO(2) core-shell-shell structure, where the complemental features of the three key components (a well-defined Co(3)O(4) nanowire array on the conductive Ti substrate, an ultrathin layer of small Pt nanoparticles, and a thin layer of MnO(2) nanoflakes) are strategically combined into a single entity to synergize and construct a high-performance electrode for supercapacitors. Owing to the high conductivity of the well-defined Co(3)O(4) nanowire arrays, in which the conductivity was further enhanced by a thin metal (Pt) coating layer, in combination with the large surface area provided by the small MnO(2) nanoflakes, the as-fabricated Co(3)O(4)@Pt@MnO(2) nanowire arrays have exhibited high specific capacitances, good rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. The architectural design demonstrated in this study provides a new approach to fabricate high-performance MnO(2)–based nanowire arrays for constructing next-generation supercapacitors.