Manganese Oxide Emerges as Promising Catalyst for Peroxymonosulfate Activation

Recent research published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering has highlighted the potential of manganese oxide (Mn3O4) as a highly promising catalyst for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Van Lang University, emphasized the unique spinel structure, mixed-valence Mn2+ /Mn3+ chemistry, environmental benignity, and tunable surface properties of Mn3O4, making it an ideal candidate for efficient and robust environmental applications.

Key Takeaways:

• The study systematically explored recent progress in the synthesis strategies of Mn3O4, including chemical precipitation, hydro/solvothermal methods, and thermal decomposition, which significantly influence crystallinity, morphology, surface area, and defect engineering.
• The critical structure-property-performance relationships were highlighted, focusing on the roles of Mn valence states, surface hydroxyl groups, oxygen vacancies, and lattice oxygen in modulating PMS activation pathways.
• Both radical (SO4·-, ·OH) and non-radical (1O2, direct electron transfer, PMS*) mechanisms were elucidated, with mechanistic insights into the dominance of specific pathways under varying structural and environmental conditions.
• Mn3O4-based composites by combining with MnxOy or other materials were discussed in enhancing catalytic performance and stability.
• Future research directions were proposed to guide the rational design of Mn3O4-based catalysts for efficient, robust, and selective environmental applications.
• The study concluded that despite significant advances, challenges such as long-term stability, efficiency under strong alkaline conditions, and mechanistic ambiguities remain.

Statistics:

• 13:5 (issue and page number of the journal article)
• 5 (number of authors contributing to the study)
• 125 London Wall, London, England (address of the publisher, Elsevier Sci Ltd)
• 2025 (year of publication)
• 2713 (page number of the news report in the Journal of Technology & Science)

Sources:

• NewsRx. Recent Research from Van Lang University Highlight Findings in Chemicals and Chemistry (Mn3o4 and Mn3o4-based Composites As Efficient Catalysts for Peroxymonosulfate Activation: a Critical Review). Journal of Technology & Science. November 2, 2025; p 2713.
• Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. Mn3o4 and Mn3o4-based Composites As Efficient Catalysts for Peroxymonosulfate Activation: a Critical Review. Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025.