MnO nanoparticles with textured porosity supported on mesoporous carbons

Ordered mesoporous carbons doped with MnO nanoparticles (DCs) have been prepared by direct carbonization of a composite of a reverse copolymer-low-molecular-weight phenolic resin dipped in aqueous Mn(NO3)2 solution. The microstructure of the DCs was analyzed by the small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the size of MnO nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of DCs was about 10–50 nm and the pore size of DCs could be tailored from 4.9 to 9.3 nm as the amount of phenolic resin varied. Moreover, the structure of the DCs obtained was stripe-like at low amount of phenolic resin. However, the structure of the DCs becomes disordered as the amount of phenolic resin increases. Because of its nontoxic nature and cost-effective synthesis, these DCs exhibit properties that are needed for an environment-friendly catalyst and electrode materials.