Synthesis and Characterization of Cryptomelane for use in Electrochemical Capacitors

Cryptomelane was synthesized by a solid state with low temperature technique and tested as active material for an electrochemical capacitor. X-ray diffraction peaks are in good agreement with the standard pattern of tetragonal cryptomelane. Surface area and pore sized distribution shows 292 m2/g and 6.12nm respectively which show a mesopore structure. Two different aqueous electrolytes were tested K2SO4 0.1M and Na2SO4 0.1M both of them present an ideal capacitive behavior, being more interesting capacitance values with Na2SO4 0.1M electrolyte. Further testing using this electrolyte with different scan rates presents capacitor behavior under 5mV/s.