In-Situ Synthesis of Polypyrrole-MnO2−x Nanocomposite Hybrids

Abstract

This work centers on hybrid materials based on MnO2-x and conducting polymers and their possible application as electrodes in rechargeable lithium batteries. We approached the study of these hybrids as an alternative to crystalline manganese oxides, which capacity is frequently limited by irreversible phase transitions. We followed the approach of forming simultaneously the organic and inorganic components in an attempt to get nanocomposite materials. PPy/MnO2-x nanocomposite hybrids were prepared by direct one-pot reaction of pyrrole and potassium permanganate, obtaining hybrids with different amounts of the inorganic phase. The results on the chemical, spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of the PPy/MnO2-x hybrids indicated that as the MnO2-x content increases, so does the initial specific charge in lithium rechargeable cells, reaching values as high as 134 Ah/Kg.5