Physicochemical characteristics of the birnessite and todorokite synthesized using various methods

The synthesis methods used to produce todorokite (10 Å manganate, OMS-1) and birnessite (7 Å manganate), which are abundant in marine manganese nodules, have been studied to confirm whether pure mineral phases can be obtained and to compare their physicochemical characteristics. The physicochemical characteristics of todorokite and its precursor Na–birnessite can vary widely based on the precursors used during their synthesis. Birnessite can be synthesized via three mechanisms, i.e., the oxidation of Mn²⁺, a redox reaction between Mn²⁺ and MnO4⁻, or the reduction of MnO4⁻. Herein, four precursors are used to synthesize birnessite using different methods before being transformed into todorokite. The characteristics of the birnessite and todorokite synthesized using different methods are investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the method used, birnessite and todorokite exhibit distinct physicochemical features, including crystallinity, crystal structure, specific surface area, oxidation state of manganese, thermal stability, and morphology. Thus, the characteristics of birnessite and todorokite are closely correlated, indicating the importance of designing suitable methods to synthesize them for specific applications.