Nanostructured Mn3O4–reduced graphene oxide hybrid and its applications for efficient catalytic decomposition of Orange II and high lithium storage capacity
Abstract
Here, a general one-pot hydrothermal synthesis was used to prepare a nanostructured Mn3O4–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid. The Mn3O4–rGO hybrid possesses narrow size-distribution and good dispersion, enabling it to be a potential material for environmental and energy applications. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the application of the Mn3O4–rGO hybrid in heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade an aqueous organic (Orange II) and in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). After 90 min of the degradation reaction, 100% decomposition could be achieved with 30 mg L−1 of Orange II, 0.05 g L−1 of Mn3O4–rGO, and 1.5 g L−1 of PMS. In addition, the degradation mechanism of Orange II by Mn3O4–rGO/PMS system was proposed. Through the stability test, the hybrid catalyst exhibited stable performance even after four successive runs and regeneration. As an anode material of LIBs, the Mn3O4–rGO hybrid still showed a high specific capacity up to 676 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles of a cycling performance test. The hybrid had a good rate capability and cycling stability owing to the intimate interactions between the Mn3O4 nanoparticles and graphene sheets.