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.