A new sol-gel synthesis of Mn3O4 oxide and its electrochemical behavior in alkaline medium
Abstract
In this investigation, Mn3O4 spinel-type oxide was synthesized at low temperature using the Pechini process. We employed a sol-gel route, in which a solution of Mn(II) in a mixture of citric acid and ethylene glycol was heated to form a polymeric precursor, followed by annealing at lower temperature. The oxide obtained was identified by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that the formation of Mn3O4 hausmannite structure with a minor secondary phase of MnSO4 occurred at or above 280 A degrees C. The sample powder consisted of fine grains with homogeneous morphology and an average size close to 1 mu m was obtained. This new preparation procedure yielded an electrode oxide which appears to be a promising cathode material for fuel cells and metal-air batteries.