Due to its marvelous characteristics, huge surface area and excellent electric conductivity, graphene is an optimum
electrode in the capacitive deionization (CDI) units if the specific capacitance could be improved. In this study, novel
strategy for rapid transformation of graphite into graphene-intercalatedwith nanostructureMnO2 withmorphology
control is introduced by one-pot reaction, low-time consuming and eco-environmentally method. Conversion of
graphite into the graphene structure was suggested through vigorous oxidation using ammonium peroxysulphate
and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of manganese sulfate followed by a reduction step using piperidine under
amicrowave irradiation. It was demonstrated that formation of MnO2 nanostructures during the exfoliation process
has a great impact to separate the graphene sheets as themetallic nanostructures wedged among the sheets. Interestingly,
morphology control could be performed;MnO2-nanorods andMnO2-nanparticles@graphene could be prepared.
As an electrode in the CDI unit, the synthesized MnO2-nanorods@graphene revealed excellent results in
specific capacitance (292 F/g), distinct electrosorptive capacity (5.01 mg/g), amazing salt removal efficiency
(~93%) and distinguished recyclability. Overall, this work introduces an effective technique to improve the interfacial
contact area between MnO2 and graphene nanosheets which enhances the electrochemical performance and
recommends utilizing the introduced material as a promising electrode for CDI units.