Green synthesis of bi-component Mn3O4–MnO2 nanorods and enhanced catalytic properties

•Bi-component Mn3O4–MnO2 nanorods are synthesized in the absence of templates.•The aspect ratio of nanorods can be modulated by Cl− ions.•Mn3O4–MnO2 exhibited higher catalytic activity for MB decomposition.

Bi-component Mn3O4–MnO2 nanorods with lengths of up to 30 μm are synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method in the absence of templates. Samples were characterized by FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XRD, XPS, and N2 adsorption–desorption. The results indicate that the Mn3O4–MnO2 and Mn5O8 samples with various morphologies can be easily obtained via modulating Cl− ions and glucose contents. Compared with that of the Mn5O8 samples, the bi-component Mn3O4–MnO2 nanorods exhibited higher catalytic properties for oxidative decomposition of MB owing to its adjustable valence state and oxygen content.

Graphical abstractBi-component Mn3O4–MnO2 nanorods can be easily synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method without adding templates. The bi-component Mn3O4–MnO2 nanorods exhibited higher catalytic properties than those of the Mn5O8 samples for oxidative decomposition of MB.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide