An X-ray diffraction study of pyrolytic manganese dioxide

The thermal decomposition of aqueous manganese nitrate has been studied under a range of experimental conditions to scientifically assess the pyrolysis processes employed by the tantalum capacitor industry. The crystalline phase and form of the manganese oxides produced are compared by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Those experimental conditions producing materials with the lowest resistivity are identified. The technological significance of the decomposition process is discussed and initial results from a novel pyrolysis technique are presented.