Synthesis and characterization of sol-processed α-MnO2 nanostructures

Nanostructure of α-MnO2 was prepared by air oxidation of manganese chloride (MnCl2) via sol processing by adding N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) as surface active material. The obtained material was conventionally annealed at 400 °C for 2 h. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The chemical reaction involved in the synthesis of α-MnO2 nanostructure was proposed and discussed. From XRD pattern, the purity and crystallinity of final product was observed. The synthesized α-MnO2 nanostructure showed an average crystallite size of 17 nm.

Graphical AbstractThe nanostructure of α-MnO2 has been synthesized through sol-process by air oxidation of manganese chloride as precursor and N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) as surfactant.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► α-MnO2 nanostructure with size of 13–18 nm was synthesized by low temperature method.
► The obtained material was characterized by XRD and TEM.
► The interplanar distance of 0.31 nm corresponds to (310) plane was observed by TEM.