Multivalent manganese oxides with high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction

A noble-metal-free catalyst based on both Mn3O4 and MnO was prepared by using the dielectric barrier discharge technique at moderate temperature. The prepared catalyst shows a higher electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction than the catalyst prepared by using the traditional calcination process. The enhanced activity could be due to the coexistence of manganese ions with different valences, the higher oxygen adsorption capacity, and the suppressed aggregation of the catalyst nanoparticles at moderate temperature. The present work would open a new way to prepare low-cost and noble-metal-free catalysts at moderate temperature for more efficient electrocatalysis.