Surface characterization of ZnO/ZnMn2O4 and Cu/Mn3O4 powders obtained by thermal degradation of heterobimetallic complexes

From the selective transformation of the heterometallic (Zn–Mn or Cu–Mn) carboxylate complexes with 2,2′-bipyridyl by thermal degradation at relatively low (350 °C) temperature, it was possible to get either well defined spinel ZnMn2O4 over zinc oxide or well dispersed copper particles surrounded by a manganese oxide (Mn3O4) in a core–shell like structure. Morphology of the powder surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX). Surface composition was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Specific surface of the powders by nitrogen adsorption was found to be 33±0.2 and 9±0.06 m2 g−1 for Zn–Mn and Cu–Mn samples, respectively, which is comparable to those of commercial products.