Nano-sized Mn2O3 prepared by a novel solvolysis route as an electrochemical capacitor electrode material

Abstract

Nano-sized manganese oxide (Mn2O3) was synthesized using a solvothermal route with the presence of citric acid as the chelating agent and acetone as the handle. The sample obtained was heated at 400˚C, 600˚C and 800˚C respectively. The nanostructure of Mn2O3 at different heating temperature was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Field-Emission Scanning-Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The obtained spherical shape Mn2O3 (400oC) particles were found to be within 7-30nm range in diameter. Single electrode redox properties were studied using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method utilising the treated Mn2O3 (400oC) as the working electrode in a three electrode configuration against standard calomel electrode with a polished platinum as the counter electrode. Thus, the redox and pseudocapacitance (197.14 F/g) of the product were assessed up to 0.45V in a 2M KOH electrolyte.