Synthesis of porous ZnMn2O4 flower-like microspheres by using MOF as precursors and its application on photoreduction of CO2 into CO

ZnMn₂O₄ flower-like microspheres self-assembled by curved nanoplates are synthesized by calcining the ZnMn₂-ptcda MOF precursors. These curved nanoplates consist of small particles with controlled particle size. The band gap of the ZnMn₂O₄ microspheres is increased to about 2.1–2.6 eV. The enlarged specific surface areas, porosity and decreased particle size are also investigated in details. Owing to the self-assemble mesoporous nanostructure, the photocatalytic performance on reduction of CO₂ into CO is enhanced significantly for ZnMn₂O₄ flower-like microspheres, compared with ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles. This suggests that ZnMn₂O₄ flower-like microsphere can be regarded as a promising photocatalyst for photo-reduction, photo-degradation and photosynthesis.