Silver-coated copper-integrated CuMn2O4 spinel electrodes prepared by mechanochemical–thermal processing for hybrid energy-storage applications

Authors

Chih-Hao Yang1,2*  ID,  Li-Jing Lin1,  Ruei-Jhih Su1,  Li-Chi Yun1,  Jia-Hao Zeng1,  Dong-Yan Sie1,  Shih-Hsien Chang3 ID
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1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan
2 Mechanical Engineering Technology Service Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan
3 Department of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 106344, Taiwan
Article ID: 840
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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18686/cest840

Keywords:

CuMn2O4 spinel oxide; mechanochemical synthesis; Ag-coated Cu powder; metal–air batteries; supercapacitors

Abstract

CuMn2O4 spinel oxides are promising electrode materials because of their multiple redox states and structural stability, but their practical performance is limited by low electrical conductivity and inefficient charge transfer. In this study, Ag-coated Cu (Cu@Ag) particles were integrated with MnO2 through mechanochemical ball milling followed by calcination at 550, 650, and 750 °C. The effects of the Cu@Ag:MnO2 mass ratio and calcination temperature on phase evolution, microstructure, and electrochemical behavior were investigated. X-ray diffraction showed progressive conversion of Cu-containing phases to CuO and subsequently to spinel CuMn2O4, accompanied by crystallite growth at higher temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy revealed improved particle connectivity at 650 °C, whereas calcination at 750 °C caused grain coarsening and particle coalescence. The electrodes exhibited combined electric double-layer and Faradaic charge-storage behavior. The highest integrated CV charge area, 69.0 V·s, was obtained for the 2:8 composition calcined at 750 °C, while the highest open-circuit voltage, approximately 1.10 V, occurred for the 3:7 composition calcined at 650 °C. Considering phase development, microstructural stability, CV profile retention, open-circuit voltage, and internal resistance, the 4:6 composition calcined at 650 °C provided the most balanced overall response. Because a CuMn2O4-only control electrode was not included, the contribution of Cu@Ag should be interpreted qualitatively.

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Published

2026-09-28

How to Cite

Yang, C.-H., Lin, L.-J., Su, R.-J., Yun, L.-C., Zeng, J.-H., Sie, D.-Y., & Chang, S.-H. (2026). Silver-coated copper-integrated CuMn2O4 spinel electrodes prepared by mechanochemical–thermal processing for hybrid energy-storage applications . Clean Energy Science and Technology, 4(5). https://doi.org/10.18686/cest840

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Vol. 4 No. 5 (2026): In progress

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Copyright (c) 2026 Chih-Hao Yang, Li-Jing Lin, Ruei-Jhih Su, Li-Chi Yun, Jia-Hao Zeng, Dong-Yan Sie, Shih-Hsien Chang

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