Mn3O4 nanoplates and nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, electrochemical and catalytic properties

Mn3O4 hexagonal nanoplates and nanoparticles were synthesized via a solvent-assisted hydrothermal oxidation process at low temperature and a solvothermal oxidation method, respectively. The synthesized product was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (ED), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Their capability of catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde to formic acid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammogram (CV) were compared. The results showed that Mn3O4 hexagonal nanoplate is a better catalyst, and the hexagonal nanoplates and nanoparticles modified electrodes blended with carbon black have a higher specific capacitance.