Investigation of the Surface of Mechanically Activated Manganese Oxides

The surface of oxides Mn3O4, Mn2O3 and MnO2 subjected to mechanical activation with the help of high-intensity grinding was studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was discovered that the surface layers of all the three oxides were transformed during mechanical activation into Mn2O3 possessing increased chemical stability against environmental action. The results are due to the thermal effect and the catalytic action of extrinsic iron in the surface layer of MnmOn particles.