Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Reduced Graphene Oxide-Manganese Oxide Nanocomposites

Abstract

【Nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide and manganese (II,III) oxide can be synthesized by the freeze-drying process of the mixed colloidal suspension of graphene oxide and manganese oxide, and the subsequent heat-treatment. The calcined reduced graphene oxide-manganese (II,III) oxide nanocomposites are X-ray amorphous, suggesting the formation of homogeneous and disordered mixture without any phase separation. The reduction of graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide upon the heat-treatment is evidenced by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Field emission-scanning electronic microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry clearly demonstrate the formation of porous structure by the house-of-cards type stacking of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets and the homogeneous distribution of manganese ions in the nanocomposites. According to Mn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, manganese ions in the calcined nanocomposites are stabilized in octahedral symmetry with mixed Mn oxidation state of Mn(II)/Mn(III). The present reduced graphene oxide-manganese oxide nanocomposites show characteristic pseudocapacitance behavior superior to the pristine manganese oxide, suggesting their applicability as electrode material for supercapacitors.】