An effective, facile, and rapid synthesis of nanosized Mn3O4 using a microwave route

Abstract

Microwave-assisted one-pot, one-step, calcination-free synthesis of nanosized Mn₃O₄ is reported using only benzylamine and manganese acetate. Benzylamine in this protocol plays a vital role for efficient microwave synthesis. This microwave method enables the synthesis of nanosized Mn₃O₄ in just few hours only in a single step eliminating the need of calcinations of any intermediate. The synthesized nanosized Mn₃O₄ was analyzed by XRD, HRTEM, EDAX, and Raman spectroscopy. The catalytic and electrochemical properties of as-synthesized Mn₃O₄ were investigated. In galvanostatic charge–discharge experiments, after 800 cycles, more than 89% capacitance was retained for electrodes made by as synthesized Mn₃O₄ nanomaterials indicating its very good stability. In the catalytic conversion of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde via oxidation, using as prepared nanosized Mn₃O₄ as a catalyst, it displays effective catalytic properties. A probable mechanical study of its formation was also envisaged. This synthesis protocol is additive-free, occurs in a short time, is facile, is energy efficient, and eliminates the use of many chemicals. These silent features make these reported protocols economically viable and environmentally benign which adhere to the principles of Green Chemistry.