Biosketch
I am Dr. M. Krithika, an early-career researcher specializing in materials chemistry and electrochemical energy storage. I completed my Ph.D. in Materials Science at SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India. My doctoral thesis, "Multifunctional Engineering of Manganese Malate for Supercapacitors," focused on the design and development of manganese-based electrode materials through phase engineering, nanocomposite fabrication, and sustainable battery waste recycling to enhance electrochemical energy storage performance.
I have extensive experience in the synthesis of advanced electrode materials, structural and surface characterization, electrochemical evaluation, and device fabrication. I am proficient in advanced materials characterization and electrochemical performance evaluation.
During my doctoral studies, I published five SCI-indexed research articles based on my thesis work, secured one published Indian patent arising from my doctoral research, and co-authored two additional SCI-indexed research papers. I also gained teaching and mentoring experience by conducting undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory courses and supervising student research projects.
Date of Award
10-7-2026
Document Type
Thesis
School
School of Chemical & Biotechnology
Programme
Ph.D.-Doctoral of Philosophy
First Advisor
Dr.S.Devaraj
Keywords
Manganese Malate, Energy Storage Devices, Supercapacitors, Phase Engineering, Battery Waste Recycling
Abstract
Supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices owing to their rapid charge-discharge capability and long cycle-life. Based on the charge storage mechanism, supercapacitors are broadly categorised into electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), pseudocapacitors and hybrid capacitors. In this work, manganese malate (MnM) is systematically developed as a versatile electrode material for supercapacitor applications through rational synthesis, textural engineering, compositional modification, phase transformation and sustainable resource utilisation.
In Chapter 2, MnM was electrodeposited onto stainless-steel foil via chronoamperometry at 2, 3 and 4 V. MnM electrodeposited at 2 V (MnM2) exhibits a specific capacitance of 186 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 with excellent stability over 10000 cycles in 0.1 M Mg(ClO4)2 electrolyte.
In Chapter 3, surfactant-assisted solvothermal method was used. Cationic surfactant CTAB promotes anisotropic growth of nanorods, resulting in 227 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 with 48% retention at 10 A g-1 and 91.3% retention on cycling.
In Chapter 4, 2 wt% Co-doped MnM-C shows highest capacitance of 276 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 due to enhanced redox activity and conductivity.
In Chapter 5, MnM-GO nanocomposite (MnM-40) delivers 280 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 95% retention over 10000 cycles.
In Chapter 6, thermal decomposition of MnM-C yields MnCO3 (MnM-300) and Mn3O4 (MnM-500). Mn3O4 achieves 361 F g-1 at 1 A g-1.
In Chapter 7, spent primary Zn-C battery cathodes were recycled to synthesise MnM, delivering 146 F g-1, nearly 4 times higher than starting material.
Recommended Citation
M, Krithika Ms, "Multifunctional Engineering of Manganese Malate for Supercapacitors" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 215.
https://knowledgeconnect.sastra.edu/theses/215