Beta-MnO2 3D nanostructures: mineralizer-assisted synthesis, characterization, and growth mechanism

The beta-MnO2 three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures were synthesized in large area by a mineralizer-assisted hydrothermal route. KNO3 was introduced as inorganic mineralizer to direct the growth of beta-MnO2 3D nanostructures from Mn(NO3)2 solutions. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Possible growth mechanism of beta-MnO2 3D nanostructures was proposed based on comparative experiments, indicating that KNO3 mineralizer and the concentration of Mn(NO3)2 solution were the two decisive factors in the fabrication of beta-MnO2 3D nanostructures.