Synthetic mechanisms of K _{2− x} Mn ₈ O ₁₆ nanorods for removal of acetaldehyde

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) severely threaten the ecological environment and human health even at low concentration because most of them are toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. In this study, a hydrothermal synthetic manganese-based compound, namely cryptomelane manganese oxide (K 2−x Mn 8 O 16) nanorod aerogels and a redox product of K 2 S 2 O 8 and MnSO 4 , is chosen as an adsorbent for acetaldehyde removal. Insights were gained into the functions of potassium sulphate (K 2 SO 4) and the mechanisms of generating nanorods in the solution phase. The structures, morphologies, specific area and pore size distribution of composites were characterised by N 2 adsorptiondesorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, and the results showed that VOCs removal by adsorption onto K 2−x Mn 8 O 16 nanorod aerogels could be used as a potential method for eliminating VOCs in terms of efficiency.