Morphologically controlled synthesis of porous Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres and their catalytic applications on the degradation of methylene blue

Porous Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres are controllably synthesized by selectively etching MnCO sub(3) precursor with HCl solution. Morphologies and microstructures of Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres are analyzed by SEM, TEM, XRD, and N sub(2) sorption technique. The catalytic performances of Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) are investigated, and the reaction kinetics of MB degradation is also studied. The results show it is feasible to control the morphologies of Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres by adjusting the concentration of HCl solution, and the well-developed porous Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres demonstrate good potential on MB degradation. The degradation reactions follow the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the degradation capabilities for MB are great dependent on BET surface areas and pore volumes of Mn sub(2)O sub(3) microspheres.