Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of birnessite type potassium manganese oxide nanotubes and nanorods

► Birnessite type manganese oxides nanotubes and nanorods were prepared by calcination route. ► The transition from tube to rod structure is described by an oriented attachment-thermodynamical (OA-TD) process. ► The catalytic degradation efficiency of safranin O by as-prepared products was compared.