Facile construction of quasi 1D trimanganese tetraoxide nanostructures via soft templating

Self-assembly of nanocrystals can not only lead to a better understanding of inter-particle acting force, but also enable rational building of complex and functional materials for future nanodevices. Here by utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the as capping and structure directing agents, hierarchical Mn₃O₄ architectures involving coil-like nanorings, hexagonal nanoframes, and nanodisks are conveniently synthesized by a one-pot solution method. The sophisticated assemblies are proven to be mediated by the PVP soft templates formed at varied concentrations. The driving forces of self-assembled complex nanostructures and the unique role of PVP concentration are discussed. Magnetic properties of the as assembled Mn ₃O₄ rings are also studied by a SQUID system, which shows the typical side effect of Curie temperature.