Nanostructured MnO2 for Li batteries

Nanorods of manganese (IV) oxide of varying dimensions were synthesized by combining sol–gel chemistry and template-based methods, and have been characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and ICP analysis. Diffraction studies and ICP analysis indicate that the product formed is an α-MnO2 polymorph which crystallizes with hollandite-type structure. Preliminary electrochemical studies on 100 nm diameter nanorods show that these materials are promising candidates for positive electrodes in Li-ion batteries.