A simple direct preparation of nanocrystalline γ-Mn 2O 3 at ambient temperature

Abstract

Nanocrystalline γ-Mn 2O 3 has been prepared directly by the reduction of aqueous KMnO 4 with hydrazine solution at ambient temperature, without post-treatment of heating. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern demonstrates its good phase purity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show homogeneous nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. The average grain size is about 9 nm. The evolution of crystallite size upon the annealing temperature was investigated. The effect of various reaction factors, e.g., pH, concentration of N 2H 4 and additants, on the nature of products was also investigated.