Nanoscale microelectrochemical cells on carbon nanotubes

A new transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been set up for the presence of microelectrochemical cells (MEC) on carbon nanotubes (CNT) in aqueous KMnO4 solutions. These MECs can help the growth of nanocrystalline MnO2 on the surface and also in the cavity of individual CNTs. The CNT-65wt% MnO2 composites exhibited a very high electrode-specific capacitance in comparison to all reported materials. The capacitance value remained fairly unchanged when the charge-discharge was cycled at the highest rate explored, with an impressive decrease of less than 5% after 1000 cycles, demonstrating a great stability. It is anticipated that the MEC understanding can direct new strategies for nanomaterial protection of functionalization and is also likely to have an impact on the use of other carbon-based materials.