MnO nanoparticles with textured porosity supported on mesoporous carbons

Ordered mesoporous carbons doped with MnO nanoparticles (DCs) have been prepared by direct carbonization of a composite of a reverse copolymer-low-molecular-weight phenolic resin dipped in aqueous Mn(NO3)2 solution. The microstructure of the DCs was analyzed by the small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the size of MnO nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of DCs was about 10-50 nm and the pore size of DCs could be tailored from 4.9 to 9.3 nm as the amount of phenolic resin varied. Moreover, the structure of the DCs obtained was stripe-like at low amount of phenolic resin. However, the structure of the DCs becomes disordered as the amount of phenolic resin increases. Because of its nontoxic nature and cost-effective synthesis, these DCs exhibit properties that are needed for an environment-friendly catalyst and electrode materials.