Facile synthesis and catalytic properties of single crystalline β-MnO2 nanorods

Single-crystalline β-MnO2 nanorods were successfully synthesized through facile reflux treatment of KMnO4 and MnSO4 in HNO3 solution. TEM and SEM images show that the synthesized β-MnO2 nanorods exhibited diameters of 20–50 nm, and lengths that ranged from approximately 0.5 to 2.0 μm with decreasing HNO3 concentrations from 0.8 to 0.1 mol/L. The β-MnO2 nanorods underwent three primary evolutionary stages over time. They exhibited excellent catalytic properties for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) by a Fenton-like reaction.

Graphical abstractSingle-crystalline β-MnO2 nanorods with different size were successfully synthesized through a facile reflux treatment of KMnO4 and MnSO4 in acid solutions by adjusting the HNO3 concentrations. The products revealed remarkable catalysis for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2, which can be potential application in the waste water.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Single-crystalline β-MnO2 nanorods were successfully prepared through a facile refluxing route. ► The size of the synthesized β-MnO2 nanorods can be controlled by adjusting HNO3 concentrations. ► The products were shown to be an efficient catalyst for the degradation of methylene blue.