Ultrasonic-assisted self-assembly synthesis of highly dispersed β-MnO2 nano-branches interwoven with graphene flakes for catalytic oxidation of aromatic compounds

A controllable ultrasonic-assisted self-assembly process is used for the fabrication of novel β-MnO2 nano-branched-graphene composites by branched β-MnO2 interwoven with flake graphene. The composites demonstrate high activity in catalytic oxidation of a methylene blue (MB) model. Roles of different components in the composites were confirmed and the optimum reaction conditions were also investigated. By cyclic tests, the composites show excellent chemical stability. Finally, the catalytic oxidation steps were further studied by analysis of the products. These results will contribute to the wide applications of the new composites in the catalytic oxidation of other aromatic compounds.