Inducing and Characterizing Structural Changes in RuO2•xH2O

Abstract

RuO2/carbon composites have attracted a lot of attention for use as supercapacitor electrodes due to their high power and energy capabilities. Methods for loading the RuO2 into the carbon include impregnation and electrochemical deposition. The first project involves impregnation of RuO2 nanoparticles into a mesoporous carbon powder. Structural changes of the RuO2 nanoparticles in the composite were induced by annealing at high temperatures, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption (XAS) were used to study the changes. In situ electrochemical-XAS experiments were also developed and performed to study the structural stability of the RuO2 nanoparticles in the composite as well as bulk RuO2•xH2O, with respect to changing potential. Preliminary work on the electrodeposition of RuO2•xH2O onto Au foil and carbon cloth was performed. An electrode with a high specific capacitance of the RuO2•xH2O component was achieved. However, further studies need to be performed to optimize the deposition solution.