Study to enhance the electrochemical activity of manganese dioxide by doping technique

A study has been performed to upgrade natural manganese dioxide (NMD) by intentionally inserting traces of impurities, i.e., by ‘dopingʹ. Doping is performed directly on NMD at its softening temperature of 450°C using Mo-based oxide as ‘dopantʹ. The samples of NMD (i.e., base sample) and doped NMD are characterized by various techniques such as chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, density, resistivity measurements and activity index measurements. Critical evaluation of the doped samples is carried out by studying the discharge behaviour in Leclanché electrolyte at different constant-current (continuous) regimes of 1, 5 and 10 mA. Distinct improvement in the discharge characteristics is observed with doped MnO2 samples. It is conclude that the doping method can be used to develop and upgrade NMD for its application as a cathode material, in dry batteries.