Mn₃O₄/Vulcan XC-72R composites: preparation, physicochemical characterization and electrochemical study for purification of organic contaminants

Abstract

The microwave-assisted technique was applied to the preparation of composites from manganese(II) acetate and Carbon-supported (Vulcan XC-72R). Composites were prepared by chemical deposition of manganese(II) acetate nanoparticles onto Vulcan XC-72R carbon black (catalytic mass) using microwave irradiation. The new composites were physicochemically characterized by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface area, pore size distribution and X-ray diffraction (XRD). BET analysis of Mn3O4/Vulcan XC-72R composites obtained by alkali method has shown specific surface area of 1135 m2/g. Novel composites were electrochemically studied as catalysts for the remediation of organic contaminants in industrial waters. From novel catalytic mass, double-sided coated electrodes on a Nickel mesh conductor were made by pressing and heating at 250 °C. The prepared electrodes have geometric area of 2.5 cm2. The electrodes were fabricated and studied regarding the amount of catalyst and 35 % Teflonized Vulcan XC-72R. Electrochemical studies were carried out for phenol oxidation in an aqueous solution in model electrolyte: phenol solution 200 mg.L-1 and supporting electrolyte: 18 g.L-1 NaCl and 2.6 mg.L-1 Na2SO4.