Preparation of α-Mn2O3 and MnO from thermal decomposition of MnCO3 and control of morphology

The precursor manganese carbonate was synthesized via a hydrothermal reduction route. After decomposition of the above precursor, α-Mn2O3 and MnO could be successfully obtained under the atmosphere of air and argon, respectively. The morphology of α-Mn2O3 and MnO was directly determined by that of precursor MnCO3. It is found that the pH is the vital factor affecting the morphology of precursor MnCO3. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.