Study to enhance the electrochemical activity of manganese dioxide by doping technique

A study has been performed to upgrade natural manganese dioxide (NMD) by in tentionally inserting traces of impurities, i.e., by 'doping'. Doping is pe rformed directly on NMD at its softening temperature of 450 degrees C using Mo-based oxide as 'dopant'. The samples of NMD (i.e., base sample) and dop ed NMD are characterized by various techniques such as chemical analysis, X -ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, density, resistivity measurements and acti vity index measurements. Critical evaluation of the doped samples is carrie d out by studying the discharge behaviour in Leclanche electrolyte at diffe rent constant-current (continuous) regimes of 1, 5 and 10 mA. Distinct impr ovement in the discharge characteristics is observed with doped MnO2 sample s. It is conclude that the doping method can be used to develop and upgrade NMD for its application as a cathode material, in dry batteries. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.