Preparing RGO/Mn3O4 Nanocomposite by using 3 different manganese precursors via microwave heating

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Graphene or graphene-based materials, within the last decade, has attracted tremendous attentions from researchers and scientist in different fields. Because of its large theoretical specific surface area, high charge-carrier mobility at room temperature, high Young's modulus and thermal conductivity, and also optical transmittance and excellent electrical conductivity, this promising material can be engineered to benefit many fields and thus lead to a technology revolution in products related to energy field, such as lithium-ion battery, supercapacitor. Recently, manganese-anchored graphene material arises as a practical and promising material for the next generation of supercapacitors. This composite combines the merits of manganese oxide, which are high energy density, low cost, environmentally friendly and natural abundance, and merits of graphene, which are large surface area and high electrical conductivity, to be the candidate of supercapacitors with unique and excellent properties. Herein we prepare the RGO/Mn3O4 nanocomposite by using 3 different manganese precursors via microwaving heating, this is an energy-efficient time-saving method to produce this nanocomposite. X-ray diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy was used to characterize the crystal structure and morphology of assynthesized sample, also Thermogravimetric analysis was applied to determine the ration between graphene and manganese oxide. The results show good crystal structure and surface morphology, also the cyclic voltammetry curves show good reversibility of the sample synthesized. The manganses precursors we use and the microwave heating method we employ will continue enlighten and develop the future researches.