Preparation and Properties of Manganese Oxide/Carbon Composites by Reduction of Potassium Permanganate with Acetylene Black

Amorphous manganese oxide/carbon composites were synthesized by directly reducing potassium permanganate with acetylene black (AB) as a cheap reducing agent. A reaction is postulated and confirmed by checking the evolved gas and other species such as and left in the mother liquor. All the composites were characterized by scanning electron micrograph, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric/diffenential thermal analysis techniques. The electrochemical performances of the composites were also investigated and one composition delivered a discharge capacity as high as at a current density of and its electrochemical performance at high rate was excellent. All results suggested that the reaction is suitable for preparing a composite cathode material and these composite materials could be developed as a potential cathode material for rechargeable Li batteries with high power. The intercrystalline water, affecting the behavior of our composites, was also discussed.