Preparation of rGO/MnO₂ Composites through Simultaneous Graphene Oxide Reduction by Electrophoretic Deposition

We report the preparation of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) composites reduced by an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. The MnO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by the electrolysis of an acidic KMnO₄ solution using an alternating monopolar arrangement of a multiple-electrode system. The particles produced were γ-MnO₂ with a rod-like morphology and a surface area of approximately 647.2 m²/g. The GO particles were produced by the oxidation of activated coconut shell charcoal using a modified Hummers method. The surface area of the GO produced was very high, with a value of approximately 2525.9 m²/g. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicate that a significant portion of the oxygen-containing functional groups was removed from the GO by electrochemical reduction during the EPD process after sufficient time following deposition of the GO. The composite obtained by the EPD process was composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and γ-MnO₂ and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction following a two-electron transfer mechanism. This approach opens the possibility for assembling rGO composites in an efficient and effective manner for electrocatalysis.