Formation mechanism of MnxCo3-xO4 yolk-shell structures
Abstract
Formation of MnxCo3−xO4 yolk–shell microspheres via a solvothermal reaction of hydrated cobalt and manganese nitrates in ethanol is investigated. Spinel nanocrystals of cobalt oxide or cobalt-rich ternary oxide preferentially develop in the system, while manganese-rich hydroxide form Mn(OH)2-type nanosheets. Instead of continuing to grow individually, the nanocrystallites and nanosheets aggregate into large microspheres due to their strong inter-particle interaction. When the proportion of Mn-rich nanosheets is high, therefore the overall density is low, dehydration of hydroxide nanosheets and a surface re-crystallisation lead to formation of a dense and rigid shell, which is separated from a solid or hollow core via a further Ostwald ripening process. The proposed formation mechanism of the yolk–shell structures based on electron microscopic studies would help us to develop yolk–shell structure based multifunctional materials.
Citation
Chiang , C-Y & Zhou , W 2021 , ' Formation mechanism of Mn x Co 3-x O 4 yolk-shell structures ' , RSC Advances , vol. 11 , no. 47 , pp. 29108-29114 . https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA04996H
Publication
RSC Advances
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2046-2069Type
Journal article
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