Hydrothermal tailoring of MnFe2O4 nanospinel integrated with biodegradable polymers for improved CO oxidation efficiency

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of MnFe2O4 nanospinels tailored with biodegradable
polymers for enhanced CO oxidation efficiency. MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared using chitosan (CS),
CTAB, and cellulose (CE) as stabilizers, followed by hydrothermal aging. Comprehensive characterization using
FTIR, XRD, XPS, HRTEM, and TGA revealed that MnFe2O4-CE exhibited the highest surface area (163.2 m2/g),
pore volume (0.312 cm3/g), and a high concentration of active oxygen species, particularly lattice oxygen. TEM
confirmed the smallest and most uniformly distributed particles in MnFe2O4-CE, averaging 7.5 ± 1.5 nm. These
properties contributed to its superior catalytic performance, with effective redox transitions of Mn (Mn2+ to
Mn3+) and Fe (Fe3+ to Fe2) enhancing CO oxidation. MnFe2O4-CE demonstrated lower light-off temperatures and
maintained high catalytic activity over 13 hours at 150◦C, confirming its stability and suitability for industrial
applications. This study highlights MnFe2O4-CE’s potential as a durable catalyst for environmental remediation,
particularly in CO oxidation.