Synthesis of Mn₃O₄/Amorphous Carbon Nanoparticles as Electrode Material for High Performance Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

Via the green chemistry route, Mn 3 O 4 /amorphous carbon nanoparticles have been synthesized. Dextrose was used as the reducing agent, and starch was used as the capping agent. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the Hausmannite tetragonal structure of the synthesized Mn 3 O 4 particles. EDAX analysis confirms the presence of carbon and stoichiometry of Mn 3 O 4 . Morphological studies reveal the nanospherical nature of the synthesized particles. The FTIR spectra confirm the presence of Mn–O bonds. Mn 3 O 4 /AC 500 exhibits highest specific capacitance of 522 F g –1 at a specific current of 1 A g –1, when measured from the charge–discharge process. This value is superior to previous reports on Mn 3 O 4 nanoparticles as an electrode for supercapacitors. Higher energy density of 58.72 W h kg –1 could be observed for Mn 3 O 4 /AC 500, which is higher than lead acid batteries and comparable to those for the nickel hydride batteries. These results indicate that Mn 3 O 4 /AC 500 is a promising electrode for supercapacitor applications.