Effects of reducing agents on the electrochemical properties of the prepared manganese oxide powders

Manganese oxide powders with high specific capacitance were successfully fabricated via a simple redox reaction at room temperature. The reducing agents used for the redox reaction significantly affected the oxidation states and the electrochemical properties of the prepared manganese oxide powders. As C₂H₅OH was used as the reducing agent, high Mn³⁺ content and high amount of hydroxide were observed in the prepared manganese oxide powders. In addition, the molar ratios of KMnO₄ and C₂H₅OH also influenced the electrochemical properties of the prepared manganese oxide powders. When the molar ratio of KMnO₄ and C₂H₅OH was 1:40, the specific capacitance of the prepared manganese oxide was as high as 402 F/g. These results of the electrochemical analysis showed that, adjusting the molar ratios of KMnO₄ and C₂H₅OH demonstrated to be an effective method for controlling the electrochemical characteristics of manganese oxide powders.