One-dimensional nanostructures from layered manganese oxide

In this paper, we report the preparation of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures from layered compounds (2D). gamma-MnOOH nanorods were successfully prepared from platelike layered Na-birnessite by simple hydro(solvo)thermal treatment at low temperature. It was observed that the reaction medium plays an important role in the phase and morphology modifications. The gamma-MnOOH was thermally treated under different conditions of atmosphere (inert or oxidizing) and temperature, which led to several phases of manganese oxide nanorods, such as MnO2 (pyrollusite), Mn2O3 (bixbyite), and Mn3O4 (hausmannite). Indeed, the achievement of such phase tuning was possible because of the outstanding structural flexibility of manganese oxides. Considering the simplicity, reproducibility, and high yield of these methods, they may be employed for low-cost large-scale production of one-dimensional manganese oxide nanostructures.