Synthesis, Crystal structure and thermal reactivity of [(N2H5)2Mn0.20Ni0.80(C2O4)2](H2O)2: A novel precursor to nickel-manganese oxide

A novel solid solution precursor, [(N2H5)2Mn0.20Ni0.80(C2O4)2](H2O)2 has been prepared and characterized by hydrazine analysis, CHN analyses, infrared spectrum, thermal degradation studies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the complex is centro-symmetric with distorted octahedral geometry. The metal center is occupied by both Mn2+ and Ni2+ ions coordinated by four carboxylate oxygen atoms from two bidentate oxalate2− anions and two axial hydrazinium ions through nitrogen atoms which clearly define the distorted octahedral structure. Simultaneous TG-DTA of the complex shows three steps decomposition resulting in the formation of the mixed metal oxide (MnNi6O8) as an end product. The chemical composition of mixed metal oxide obtained was confirmed from energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) data. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that the nanocomposite is formed as aggregates. The zeta potential (ζ) value is 30.2 mV, which indicates the high stability of the oxide. [Display omitted]