Exploring the Redox Activity of a Transition-Metal-Intercalated 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic Acid Organic–Inorganic Network for Potential Battery–Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

The application of nontoxic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has recently gained ground in batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, and water splitting. Here, we prepared an unprecedented manganese-based MOF (trimesic acid used as a linker) via a hydrothermal approach to scrutinize its electrochemical properties. A three-electrode setup was developed in which the Mn-MOF exhibited a remarkable specific capacity with satisfactory capacity retention. Furthermore, a hybrid device was fabricated in such a way that the Mn-MOF and activated carbon were functionalized as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The constructed Mn-MOF//AC device achieved exceptional specific capacity, energy, and power of 248.3 C/g, 60 Wh/kg, and 2550 W/kg, respectively. After 1000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles, the hybrid device resulted in an outstanding cycling stability of 98.57% and a Coulombic efficiency of 96.97%. The nature of the device was validated through power law and Dunn’s model. Due to its electrochemical properties, Mn-MOF//AC is a promising choice for battery–supercapacitor devices in portable electronics.