The effect of the Mn-ion oxidation state on propylene carbonate decomposition

Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the oxidation voltage of propylene carbonate (PC) containing 1 M LiClO4 on MnO, Mn2O3 and MnO2 is approximately 4.7 V. This suggests that the oxidation of PC is independent of the Mn-ion oxidation state. Gas chromatography results support the voltammetry results. CO2 is the major gas evolved from the decomposition of PC on MnO, Mn2O3 and MnO2. Reducing the oxidation state of the Mn-ion does not eliminate CO2 gas formation in the Li/MnO2 system.