Oriented Growth of α-MnO₂ Nanorods Using Natural Extracts from Grape Stems and Apple Peels.

ABSTRACT: We report on the synthesis of alpha manganese dioxide (α-MnO₂) nanorods using natural extracts from Vitis vinifera grape stems and Malus domestica 'Cortland' apple peels. We used a two-step method to produce highly crystalline α-MnO₂ nanorods: (1) reduction of KMnO₄ in the presence of natural extracts to initiate the nucleation process; and (2) a thermal treatment to enable further solid-state growth of the nuclei. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images provided direct evidence of the morphology of the nanorods and these images were used to propose nucleation and growth mechanisms. We found that the α-MnO₂ nanorods synthesized using natural extracts exhibit structural and magnetic properties similar to those of nanoparticles sy

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Botero L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5449998 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature