Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The crystal structures of the undischarged, heat-treated electrolytic manganese dioxide (HEMD) and discharge products are characterized by high spatial resolution convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED). The results are compared with the x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns characterized by broad, diffuse peaks. The CBED results for HEMD show that the starting cathodic material has the pyrolusite space group, but with a range of c/a ratios. The variability of the lattice parameter from grain to grain is found to coincide with the broadening on the low angle side of the XRD peaks. The CBED patterns of discharge products suggest a reduction range in c/a ratios and the formation of another phase.