Shape-controlled synthesis of manganese oxide nanoplates by a polyol-based precursor route

Manganese oxide nanoplates with different shapes have been prepared based on an ethylene glycol-mediated route. The first step consists of precipitating manganese alkoxide precursor in a polyol process from the reaction of manganese acetate with ethylene glycol. During this process, the morphologies of the prepared precursor could be tuned from disc-shaped to hexagonal nanoplates by introducing different organic additives. The second step involves the treatment of the precursor under different conditions. Crystalline Mn₂O₃ with the same morphology was readily obtained by calcination of the manganese alkoxide precursor. Furthermore, Mn₃O₄ nanoplates could be obtained by immersing the precursor into the deionized water.