Synthesis of Birnessite Structure Layers at the Solution–Air
Interface and the Formation of Microtubules from Them
- Publication date
- Publisher
Abstract
H<sub><i>x</i></sub>MnO<sub>2</sub>·<i>n</i>H<sub>2</sub>O layers have been successfully
produced through a facile
low-temperature process at the solution–air interface without
using any templates. The crystalline structures of layers can be tuned
by the compositions and the pH of the growth solutions. The analysis
of birnessite-like layers indicates that they are formed by nanosheets
approximately 4–6 nm thick that are oriented for the most part
normally to the interface. Our results demonstrated that 1–3-μm-thick
layers can roll up into microtubules 20 to 100 μm in diameter
and up to 10 mm long. The hypothesis explaining the formation of the
microtubular structures is assumed