Characterization of TiO₂-MnO₂ composite electrodes synthesized using spark plasma sintering technique

Titanium-manganese oxide composites as suitable material for electrode in electrochemical capacitors application was synthesized using spark plasma sintering technique. The feedstock powders were blended at varied compositions in a Turbula mixer through dry mixing with and without the alumina balls. The blended powders were then consolidated at a sintering temperature of 1200°C with a constant pressure of 25MPa and holding time of 5min. The density, phase composition, microstructure, hardness and electrochemical stability of the resulting materials were investigated. Relative densities of 99.33% and 98.49% were obtained for 90TiO₂-10MnO₂ and 80TiO₂-10MnO₂ when ball was incorporated. The 90TiO₂-10MnO₂ powder mixed with balls had its Vickers hardness value increase from 924.4HV to 998.2HV. The electrochemical performance of the TiO₂ was improved with the addition of MnO₂.