| 초록 |
With the natural abundance and the high redox reactivity, Mn oxides have garnered interests in environmental redox and energy engineering systems. While the importance of Mn redox reaction is well appreciated, fundamental understanding of Mn redox reaction remains elusive. Previous studies on the oxidation of Mn2+(aq) under abiotic conditions reported a slower oxidation rate than under biotic conditions. The question has been raised as to why the oxidation rate of Mn2+(aq) is relatively much slower in abiotic processes. Here, we show that oxidation of Mn2+(aq) proceeds at a faster rate than the conventional oxidation process using a photocatalytic reaction under the illumination of natural sunlight with a natural Fe oxide mineral without microorganisms. In addition, through the rapid photocatalytic oxidation of Mn2+(aq), the Mn oxide of the tunnel structure to the Fe oxide occurs through heterogeneous nucleation. This study illuminates an environmentally sustainable pathway to remove contaminants and may spark new interest in hitherto neglected abiotic processes. |
