Synthesis of Mn2O3 Nanopowders with Urea and Citric Acid by Solution Combustion Route

Abstract

In this study, synthesis of Mn2O3 powders by solution combustion route was carried out. Urea (CH4N2O) and citric acid (C6H8O7.H2O) was used as a fuel material in solution combustion synthesis, while manganese nitrate (Mn(NO3)2.4H2O) was used as an oxidant. Surface area of Mn2O3 synthesised by urea was calculated as 19,37 m2/g and 25,07 m2/g after the calcination at 400 °C and 500 °C, respectively. Surface area of Mn2O3 synthesised by citric acid was calculated as 63,77 m2/g when fuel/oxidizer was 1/1, ignition temperature of 250 °C and calcination temperature at 500 °C. Spherical particles of Mn2O3 having average particle size of 50–60 nm was synthesised by using urea, while foam like porous structure of Mn2O3 was obtained when citric acid was used as a fuel in solution combustion synthesis. Pore diameters between 27 and 55 nm was determined for this powders.