A pH-Universal Hollow-Mn3O4/MWCNT/Nafion™ Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction.

Hollow Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles (diameter=31 nm, cavity diameter =16 nm, and shell thickness=7 nm) were attached to the surface of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A suspension of hollow Mn₃O₄/MWCNT with Nafion™ was dropcast onto a glassy carbon electrode, and the electrochemical reduction of oxygen in aqueous solution was investigated with this electrode. We assess the role of MWCNT, hollow Mn₃O₄, and Nafion™ in the performance of the electrode, and investigate the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction. The electrode exhibits outstanding performance in measures of cathodic current density and onset potential, and performed similarly well in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]