Synthesis and characterization of manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) nanofibers by electrospinning technique

Abstract

Manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning homogeneous viscous solution of 20 wt%, 28 wt% and 36 wt% manganese acetate in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and calcining the nanofibers at 1000 °C for 2 h. Electrospinning was carried out at 9 kV DC with tip to collector distance (TCD) of 7 cm. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) of the fibers indicates the pure phase of manganese oxide above 500 °C. XRD analysis of calcined (at 1000 °C) nanofibers indicates the formation of phase-pure tetragonal Mn3O4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show the fibers cylindrical with the diameters in the range of 100–600 nm and aspect ratio > 1000. In general, the average diameter of the green fibers decreases with the increase in manganese acetate concentration. The diameter of calcined nanofibers is reduced by 34%.