Effect of doping cobalt on the micro-morphology and electrochemical properties of birnessite MnO2

Birnessite-type MnO2 nanoparticles are synthesized by mixing KMnO4 solution directly with ethylene glycol under ambient conditions. When cobalt exists in the solution, the micro-morphology of the products transforms from conglomeration to dispersive state. The result of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) shows that the product is constructed with nanosphere in sizes of ca. 40 nm. These nanospheres are twisted by nanorods clusters. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the products are birnessite-type. The electrochemical properties of the prepared materials are studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge test in aqueous electrolyte. The product shows a very high specific capacity of 326.4 F g−1. These results indicate that cobalt has great effects on the micro-morphology and electrochemical properties of manganese dioxide.

► Uniform manganese dioxide nanoparticles were prepared via a simple liquid-phase reaction method.
► The morphology of material is sphere-like which is twisted by nanorods clusters.
► Cobalt doping has enhanced capacitive performance.