Synthesis of K<SUB>2–<I>x</I></SUB>Mn<SUB>8</SUB>O<SUB>16</SUB> Nanowires for Swift Removal of Congo Red

Abstract

By elaborating a chemistry scheme in NH 4 F aqueous solution under hydrothermal conditions, K 2−x Mn 8 O 16 nanowires were fabricated by reducing KMnO 4 with Nb metal foil. Insights were gained into the functions of NH 4 F and the mechanisms of generating large quantities of anisotropically shaped structures in the solution phase. Water treatment trials confirmed that K 2−x Mn 8 O 16 nanowires exhibited high rates and removal capacity of anionic dye, Congo red from aqueous solutions without adjusting the pH value. The present work makes a progress to readily and mildly synthesize manganese oxides, and may provide an efficient approach for designing a class of new nanomaterials for environmental remediation.