Shape-controlled synthesis of manganese oxide nanoplates by a polyol-based precursor route

Manganese oxide nanoplates with different shapes have been prepared based on an ethylene glycol-mediated route. The first step consists of precipitating manganese alkoxide precursor in a polyol process from the reaction of manganese acetate with ethylene glycol. During this process, the morphologies of the prepared precursor could be tuned from disc-shaped to hexagonal nanoplates by introducing different organic additives. The second step involves the treatment of the precursor under different conditions. Crystalline Mn2O3 with the same morphology was readily obtained by calcination of the manganese alkoxide precursor. Furthermore, Mn3O4 nanoplates could be obtained by immersing the precursor into the deionized water. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.