Composite films prepared by immersion deposition of manganese oxide in carbon nanotubes grown on graphite for supercapacitors

Manganese oxide/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite films on graphite were prepared by growing CNTs on the substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), followed by immersion in an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate. The CVD growth created favorable conditions for deposition of the oxide on the electrode, and an aligned porous structure of the composite films, which originated from the CNT growth, could be managed. Electrochemical behaviors of the CNT and the composite films for supercapacitors were studied in 1 M Na₂SO₄ solution. While the oxide deposition in the CNT films was identified as contributing to capacitance enhancement, it was also found that a mild heat treatment could improve performance of the composite films.