Microstructure evolution and advanced performance of Mn3O4 nanomorphologies.

ABSTRACT

Mn(3)O(4) morphologies with tetragonal single-crystal nanostructures including nanoparticles, nanorods and nanofractals were successfully prepared by a widely applicable chemical reaction route. The morphologies were synthesized using the reactants MnCl(2)·4H(2)O, H(2)O(2), and NaOH in a suitable surfactant and alkaline solution. The dripping speed of the NaOH solution plays an important role in the microstructure evolution of Mn(3)O(4) morphologies. The difference in the dripping speed of NaOH solutions leads to different Mn(3)O(4) nanomorphologies, which are called nanoparticles, nanorods and nanofractals. The average grain size of the Mn(3)O(4) nanoparticles ranged from a few to several tens of nanometers. The Mn(3)O(4) nanorods were smooth, straight, and the geometrical shape was structurally perfect. Their lengths ranged from several hundred nanometers to a few micrometers, and their diameters ranged from 10 nm to 30 nm. The fractal branches of the Mn(3)O(4) nanofractals were a few micrometers in length and several hundred nanometers in width. The catalytic properties of these Mn(3)O(4) nanomorphologies for the degradation of phenol were evaluated in detail. The results indicated that the Mn(3)O(4) nanofractals possess remarkable catalytic activity for the degradation of phenol in water treatment.