Mn5O8 Nanoparticles as Efficient Water Oxidation Catalysts at Neutral pH

Mn5O8 nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained via the controlled oxidation of MnO NPs. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties of Mn5O8 NPs were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV). A current density of 5 mA/cm2 was reached when 580 mV of overpotential was applied at pH 7.8. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis was conducted to investigate the origin of high OER activity of Mn5O8 NPs. From the EPR analysis, Mn3+ was found to be involved in the OER process of the Mn5O8 materials.