Manganese Oxide Nanomaterials for Energy Applications

With increasing demands for miniaturization and optimization of electronics, smaller and more efficient means of power storage are needed. Supercapacitors offer higher power densities, faster charging and discharging, and longer lifespans compared to ion batteries. We are currently exploring the synthesis and characterization of a functional supercapacitor prototype comprised of semiconductive manganese (IV) oxide nanoneedles, silver nanowires and reduced graphene oxide. After all three materials are fabricated, they can be added simultaneously in an aqueous colloidal suspension and cast as a film onto filter paper via vacuum filtration without the need for organic solvents. Manganese oxide nanomaterials with varied nanomorphologies were synthesized using colloidal methods at varied temperatures, with and without graphene oxide nanotemplates. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction were used to confirm successful syntheses and study the composition and morphology of the nanocomposites. Electrical measurements were performed to verify capacitive properties.