Synthesis and characterization of nanowires Hausmannite (Mn3O4) by solid-state thermal decomposition

In this study, we synthesis one-dimensional (1D) manganese(III) Schiff base coordination polymer [Mn(Brsalophen)(μ1,3-N3)]n by reaction of MnCl2·6H2O and tetradentate Schiff base ligand Brsalophen at the presence of NaN3 in methanol and characterized by elemental analyses (CHN) and FT-IR spectroscopy. It was used as a new precursor to prepare spinel type manganese oxide nanowires by a facile solid-state thermal decomposition in air at 400ºC for 3.5 h. The crystallinity, purity and morphology of the Mn3O4 products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the prepared Mn3O4 nanowires are pure single phases. The present method allows preparation of the Mn3O4 nanowires without expensive or toxic organic solvent and complicated equipment. The nanowires have a diameter about ≈25 nm and length exceeding 1.5 μm. It has potential to be applied as a general method for preparation of other transition metal oxide nanoparticles.