I am trying to make Potassium Manganese Oxide based Cathode materials by the citric acid-assisted Sol-Gel Method and following the method reported in the literature. however, I cannot obtain a gel but some precipitates are formed. I am using potassium carbonate and manganese acetate as precursors, and the stirring temperature is kept at 70 degrees centigrade.
I am first dissolving citric acid in some ml of water and then mixing K2CO3 dissolved in water in a citric acid solution followed by mixing manganese acetate dissolved in water in a citric acid solution.
There are a few potential reasons why you might be experiencing this issue:
-One possibility is that the stirring temperature is too high. The sol-gel process involves the formation of a gel through the hydrolysis and polycondensation of the precursors, and the rate of these reactions can be influenced by temperature. It is possible that the high temperature is causing the reactions to proceed too quickly, leading to the formation of precipitates rather than a gel.
-Another possibility is that the ratios of the precursors (potassium carbonate, manganese acetate, and citric acid) are not correct. The sol-gel process is sensitive to the ratios of the precursors, and if the ratios are not correct, it can result in the formation of precipitates rather than a gel.
Thank you so much for the answer. I have reduced the temperature to as low as 40 or even room temperature but the precipitates still form. however, the ratios of the precursors can be the reason. Can you kindly explain what should be the ratio of citric acid with respect to potassium and Manganese?
I am aiming for K0.5MnO2
Muhammad Abaid Ashraf
The exact ratio will depend on the specific synthesis method you are using, as well as the desired properties of the final product.
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