Synthesis of Hierarchical Hollow MnO2 Microspheres and Potential Application in Abatement of VOCs

Hierarchical hollow MnO2 microspheres have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method based on the decomposition of KMnO4 precursor in nitric acid solution in the presence of Ce3+ ions. The hierarchical hollow microspheres consisted of discuslike nanoplatelets and nanorods. The BrunauerEmmetTeller (BET) specific surface area and the pore volume of the hierarchical hollow microspheres are 29.2 m(2) g(1) and 0.30 cm(3) g(1), respectively. A possible formation mechanism of hierarchical hollow microspheres is proposed. Ce3+ ions play a crucial role in controlling the morphology and crystalline structure of MnO2. The concentration of Ce3+ ions is a key factor for the formation of the hierarchical hollow microspheres. The as-prepared hierarchical hollow MnO2 microspheres exhibit high catalytic ability for the oxidation of benzene.