Particle size control of cryptomelane nanomaterials by use of H2O2 in acidic conditions

A new soft-step chemistry method has been developed to prepare pure cryptomelane-type manganese oxide materials (OMS-2) with the smallest particle sizes ever reported. The synthetic procedure is based on the reduction of KMnO4 by H2O2 under acidic conditions followed by reflux. An acetate-containing buffer solution and HNO3 are used to control the pH of the reaction mixture. The formation process, particle size, crystallite size, crystal structure, and properties of these nanomaterials have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), potentiometric titration, thermogravimetric analysis, and N-2 sorption analyses. Both the concentration of H2O2 and the nature of the acid used affect the crystalline phase formation, microstructure, thermal stability, and the composition of the final product. HRTEM images reveal that the OMS-2 nanofibers are not oriented preferentially and present significant twinning, along with discontinuity in the growth of the tunnel. Catalytic studies of these OMS-2 nanomaterials for oxidation of benzyl alcohol and fluorene have been performed. These nanomaterials show a low performance for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and a unique catalytic activity for the oxidation of fluorene compared to OMS-2 materials prepared by conventional methods.