Macroporous MnO2 electrodes obtained by template assisted electrodeposition for electrochemical capacitors

Abstract

Macroporous MnO2 electrodes prepared by template-assisted electrodeposition using spherical polystyrene colloidal particles are studied. The wettability of such electrodes by a LiClO4 aqueous electrolyte is measured by the contact angle technique. Cyclic voltammetry experiments are performed in order to evaluate the use of these electrodes for electrochemical capacitor applications. The specific capacity obtained is about 60% higher than that obtained for flat MnO2 surfaces showing that, in spite of the wettability being lower, some penetration of the electrolyte into the pores must occur, increasing the electroactive area with respect to the flat electrode. Furthermore, the macroporous electrode showed excellent electrochemical stability, with neither a capacitance decrease nor a loss of morphology, after 1000 cycles. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.