For the first time, α-MnO of cubic crystal structure was synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment of a reaction mixture containing potassium permanganate and ascorbic acid taken in a molar ratio of 1 : (1–1.5), followed by annealing in air. A possible mechanism for the formation of manganese(III) oxide is proposed. The main physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized α-MnO are determined using X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. It has been established that by varying the molar ratio of the components of the reaction mass, as well as the annealing conditions of the intermediate products, β-MnO, MnO and MnO/C, MnO/C composites can be additionally obtained.
G. S. Zakharova (Wed,) studied this question.