Abstract: An object is to provide an electrolytic manganese dioxide with optimized properties, and a high capacity alkaline primary battery with excellent high-rate discharge characteristics. Disclosed is a spherical electrolytic manganese dioxide having an average circularity of 0.89 or more. The loss on heating from 200 to 400° C. of the spherical electrolytic manganese dioxide is preferably 2.5% by weight or more. Also disclosed is an alkaline primary battery including the above-described spherical electrolytic manganese dioxide as a positive electrode active material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing metal oxides from metal containing solutions. Metal containing solutions are mixed with heated aqueous oxidizing solutions and processed in a continuous process reactor or batch processing system. Combinations of temperature, pressure, molarity, Eh value, and pH value of the mixed solution are monitored and adjusted so as to maintain solution conditions within a desired stability area during processing. This results in metal oxides having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. These metal oxides may be processed according to the invention to produce co-precipitated oxides of two or more metals, metal oxides incorporating foreign cations, metal oxides precipitated on active and inactive substrates, or combinations of any or all of these forms.

Abstract: Nanowires, films, and membranes comprising ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieves and methods of making the same are disclosed. A method for forming nanowires includes hydrothermally treating a chemical precursor composition in a hydrothermal treating solvent to form the nanowires, wherein the chemical precursor composition comprises a source of manganese cations and a source of counter cations, and wherein the nanowires comprise ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieves.

Abstract: The present application relates to granules of powdery mineral particles produced by spray granulation of a liquid slurry comprising powdery minerals particles having particle size below 10 m, at least one water-reducing agent and/or at least one binder agent and/or at least one dispersing agent. The application further relates to a method for producing such granules.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the formation of small-size metal oxide particles, comprising the steps of a) preparing a starting aqueous solution comprising at least one of metallic ions and complexes thereof, at a concentration of at least 0.1 % w/w of the metal component; b) maintaining the solution at a temperature lower than 50° C. for a retention time in which hydrolysis takes place, the extent of the hydrolysis being sufficient to produce O.1 mmol protons per mmol of metal present in solution, wherein the time does not exceed 14 days, to form a system containing a retained solution; and c) adjusting the conditions in the system by at least one of the steps of: i) heating the retained solution to elevate the temperature thereof by at least 1° C.; ii) changing the pH of the retained solution by at least 0.1 units; and iii) diluting the retained solution by at least 20% whereby there are formed particles, wherein the majority of the particles formed are between about 2 nm and about 500 nm in size.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the formation of small-size metal oxide particles, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a starting aqueous solution comprising at least one of metallic ion and complexes thereof, at a concentration of at least 0.1% w/w of the metal component; b) preparing a modifying aqueous solution having a temperature greater than 50° C.; c) contacting the modifying aqueous solution with the starting aqueous solution in a continuous mode in a mixing chamber to form a-modified system; d) removing the modified system from the mixing chamber in a plug-flow mode; wherein the method is characterized in that: i) the residence time in the mixing chamber is less than about 5 minutes; and iii) there are formed particles or aggregates thereof, wherein the majority of the particles formed are between about 2 nm and about 500 nm in size.

Abstract: Nicotinamides and isonicotinamides, used in the preparation of anti-TB drugs i.e. isoniazid and as an intermediate of vitamin B12 are prepared from cyanopyridines and nicotinamides. Catalysts useful for the preparation of nicotinamide and isonicotinamide.

Abstract: Multi-step metal compound oxidation process to produce compounds and enhanced metal oxides from various source materials, e.g. metal sulfides, carbides, nitrides and other metal containing materials with metal oxides from secondary reaction steps being utilized as an oxidation agent in the first reactions.

Abstract: Nanowires, films, and membranes comprising ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieves, and methods of making, are disclosed. A single crystal ultra-long nanowire includes an ordered porous manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieve, and has an average length greater than about 10 micrometers and an average diameter of about 5 nanometers to about 100 nanometers. A film comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is stacked on a surface of a substrate, wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned. A free standing membrane comprises a microporous network comprising a plurality of single crystal nanowires in the form of a layer, wherein a plurality of layers is aggregately stacked, and wherein the nanowires of each layer are substantially axially aligned.

Abstract: A method for making the metal oxide includes the following steps: mixing a metal nitrate with a solvent of octadecyl amine, and achieving a mixture; agitating and reacting the mixture at a reaction temperature for a reaction period; cooling the mixture to a cooling temperature, and achieving a deposit; and washing the deposit with an organic solvent, drying the deposit at a drying temperature and achieving a metal oxide nanocrystal. The present method for making a metal oxide nanocrystal is economical and timesaving, and has a low toxicity associated therewith. Thus, the method is suitable for industrial mass production.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing an electrochemical device including a cathode, an anode and at least one electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein at least one of the cathode, the anode and the electrolyte membrane, contains at least a ceramic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of exfoliating a layered material (e.g., graphite and graphite oxide) to produce nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm, typically smaller than 10 nm, and often between 0.34 nm and 1.02 nm. The method comprises: (a) subjecting the layered material in a powder form to a halogen vapor at a first temperature above the melting point or sublimation point of the halogen at a sufficient vapor pressure and for a duration of time sufficient to cause the halogen molecules to penetrate an interlayer space of the layered material, forming a stable halogen-intercalated compound; and (b) heating the halogen-intercalated compound at a second temperature above the boiling point of the halogen, allowing halogen atoms or molecules residing in the interlayer space to exfoliate the layered material to produce the platelets.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth an effluent treatment composition, system, and method for the comprehensive treatment of odiferous or noxious effluent formed as a result of an industrial process. The treatment composition includes an oxidant, a biocide, a scale inhibitor, and an anti-foulant agent. The oxidant may be a permanganate composition. A gas absorption system may be used to apply the treatment composition to an odorous effluent to remove primary and secondary odor components from the industrial process.

Abstract: A method of preparing a high purity metal nitride and/or oxide powder is provided, comprising: heating a metal salt and an organic fuel to an ignition temperature in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, forming a first composition; and optionally heating the first composition to a heat treatment temperature, which heat treatment temperature is above the ignition temperature and below 1000° C., in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere until the metal nitride and/or oxide powder is formed.

Abstract: Methods of making unique water treatment compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a method of making a doped metal oxide or hydroxide for treating water comprises: disposing a metal precursor solution and a dopant precursor solution in a reaction vessel comprising water to form a slurry; and precipitating the doped metal oxide or hydroxide from the slurry.

Abstract: Solid battery components are provided. A block copolymeric electrolyte is non-crosslinked and non-glassy through the entire range of typical battery service temperatures, that is, through the entire range of at least from about 0° C. to about 70° C. The chains of which the copolymer is made each include at least one ionically-conductive block and at least one second block immiscible with the ionically-conductive block. The chains form an amorphous association and are arranged in an ordered nanostructure including a continuous matrix of amorphous ionically-conductive domains and amorphous second domains that are immiscible with the ionically-conductive domains. A compound is provided that has a formula of LixMyNzO2. M and N are each metal atoms or a main group elements, and x, y and z are each numbers from about 0 to about 1. y and z are chosen such that a formal charge on the MyNportion of the compound is (4?x). In certain embodiments, these compounds are used in the cathodes of rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: Method for producing metal oxide nanoparticles. The method includes generating an aerosol of solid metallic microparticles, generating plasma with a plasma hot zone at a temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the microparticles into metal vapor, and directing the aerosol into the hot zone of the plasma. The microparticles vaporize in the hot zone into metal vapor. The metal vapor is directed away from the hot zone and into the cooler plasma afterglow where it oxidizes, cools and condenses to form solid metal oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an oxygen reduction electrode having excellent oxygen reduction catalysis ability. In a method of manufacturing a manganese oxide nanostructure having excellent oxygen reduction catalysis ability and composed of secondary particles which are aggregations of primary particles of manganese oxide, a target plate made of manganese oxide is irradiated with laser light to desorb the component substance of the target plate, and the desorbed substance is deposited on a substrate facing substantially parallel to the aforementioned target plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an electroactive metal polyanion or a mixed metal polyanion comprising forming a slurry comprising a polymeric material, a solvent, a polyanion source or alkali metal polyanion source and at least one metal ion source; heating said slurry at a temperature and for a time sufficient to remove the solvent and form an essentially dried mixture; and heating said mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce an electroactive metal polyanion or electroactive mixed metal polyanion.

Abstract: A new class of supermicroporous mixed oxides, with pore sizes in the 10-20 ? range has been prepared utilizing basic metal acetates. The reactions are carried out in non-aqueous solvent media to which an excess of amine is added. Hydrolysis of the reagents is effected by addition of a water-propanol mixture and refluxing. The amine and solvent are removed by thorough washing and/or calcining at temperatures as low as 200° C. Mixtures of transition metal oxides with either ZrO2, TiO2, La2O3, SiO2, Al2O3 or mixtures thereof were prepared. The surface area curves of the pure oxides are Type I with surface areas of 400-600 m2/g and up to 1100 m2/g for the mixed oxides.

Abstract: During the process of synthesis of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT), a key raw material methylcyclopentadiene (MCP) is used. The MCP component may be recycled for subsequent reaction processes. The recycle stream of MCP is washed with water and, optionally, passed over a molecular sieve bed to remove the contaminants protic side products from the MCP recycled stream.

Abstract: Methods of producing nanoporous particles by spray pyrolysis of a precursor composition including a reactive precursor salt and a nonreactive matrix salt are provided, wherein the matrix salt is used as a templating medium. Nanoporous aluminum oxide particles produced by the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing fine metal oxide particles, comprising the following steps of reacting a reactant mixture comprising i) water, ii) at least one water-soluble metal nitrate and iii) ammonia or ammonium salt at 250–700° C. under 180–550 bar for 0.01 sec to 10 min in a reaction zone to synthesize the metal oxide particles, the metal nitrate being contained at an amount of 0.01–20 wt % in the reactant mixture; and separating and recovering the metal oxide particles from the resulting reaction products. According to the present invention, nano-sized metal oxide particles are synthesized, while the harmful by-products generated concurrently therewith are effectively decomposed in the same reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is the method for preparation of transition metal oxide having micro-mesoporous structure whose average fine pores size is not less than 1 nm and not more than 2 nm comprising, adding and dissolving transition metal salt which is a precursor of transition metal oxide and/or metal alkoxide in the solution prepared by dissolving polymer surfactant in organic solvent, hydrolyzing said transition metal salt and/or metal alkoxide and preparing sol solution which is polymerized and self organized, then obtaining gel whose organization is stabilized from said sol solution and removing said polymer surfactant by using water of room temperature or water to which alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ion is added.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing particles, such as oxide nanoparticles, in a substantially water-free environment. The process involves mixing at least one metal compound of the formula MX(m?n) with at least one surfactant and at least one solvent, wherein M is an electropositive element of Groups 1–15; each X is independently selected from the group consisting of O1/2, F, Cl, Br, I, OR, O2CR, NR2, and R; each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group; n is equal to ½ the oxidation state of the metal M in the product particle; and m is equal to the oxidation state of the element M. The components are typically combined to form a mixture which is thermally treated for a time period sufficient to convert the metal compound into particles of the corresponding oxide, having sizes in a range between about 0.5 nanometer and about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: A method of making an oxide compound, comprising subjecting a base material to a source of heat that produces a localized temperature in the range of 2,000 to 5,500 degrees Celsius that vaporizes the base material which is drawn upward above the surface of the base material where it oxidizes, after which the resulting oxide compound is collected. A method of making bismuth trioxide, comprising providing an electric arc between electrodes, wherein elemental bismuth is in touching proximity to one of the electrodes. The bismuth is evaporated, drawn upward off the surface of the molten metal, forms the bismuth oxide on contact with oxygen, and the particles of bismuth oxide are collected. A method of making an oxide using an electric arc to evaporate a base material which then reacts with oxygen, and collecting the resulting oxides of base material.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell includes a cathode including lambda-manganese dioxide (?-MnO2), an anode including lithium or a lithium alloy, a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal oxide powder for high precision polishing and prepartion thereof, comprising aggregates formed by cohesion of primary particles, which has a cohesive degree (?) of 1.1 to 2.0 and a cohesive scale (?) of 3 to 10, the cohesive degree (?) and the cohesive scale (?) being defined by formula (I) and formula (II), respectively: ?=6/(S×?×d(XRD)) ??(I) ?=weight average particle diameter/d(XRD) ??(II) wherein, S is the specific surface area of the powder; ?, the density; and d(XRD), the particle diameter of the powder determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a high polishing speed and reduce scratches.

Abstract: A process of treating metal oxide nanoparticles that includes mixing metal oxide nanoparticles, a solvent, and a surface treatment agent that is preferably a silane or siloxane is described. The treated metal oxide nanoparticles are rendered hydrophobic by the surface treatment agent being surface attached thereto, and are preferably dispersed in a hydrophobic aromatic polymer binder of a charge transport layer of a photoreceptor, whereby ?—? interactions can be formed between the organic moieties on the surface of the nanoparticles and the aromatic components of the binder polymer to achieve a stable dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer that is substantially free of large sized agglomerations.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and processes for treating particulate oxides of manganese useful as oxidizing sorbents for capturing or removing target pollutants from industrial gas streams, including, but not limited to, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), mercury (Hg), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), other totally reduced sulfides (TRS), and oxides of carbon (CO and CO2) gases. Oxides of manganese are washed an aqueous oxidizing solution, which may be adjusted as necessary to maintain the oxidizing solution a desired range of pH (acidity) and Eh (oxidizing potential) within the MnO2 stability area for aqueous solutions. The resulting treated oxides of manganese are equally or more efficient as sorbents as the oxides of manganese processed with the invention.

Abstract: A low temperature contaminant limiting process for lithiating hydroxides and forming lithiated metal oxides of suitable crystalinity in-situ. M(OH)2 is added to an aqueous solution of LiOH. An oxidant is introduced into the solution which is heated below about 150° C. and, if necessary, agitated. M may be selected from cobalt, nickel and manganese. The resultant LiMO2 becomes crystallized in-situ and is subsequently removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making surfactant capped nanocrystals of metal oxides which are dispersable in organic solvents. The process comprises decomposing a metal cupferron complex of the formula MXCupX, wherein M is a metal, and Cup is a N-substituted N-Nitroso hydroxylamine, in the presence of a coordinating surfactant, the reaction being conducted at a temperature ranging from about 150 to about 400° C., for a period of time sufficient to complete the reaction. Also disclosed are compounds made by the process.

Abstract: The instant method produces Mn(III) and Mn(VII) in stabilized form. Stabilized Mn(II), Mn(III), Mn(IV), and Mn(VII) are also formed on solid supports. Solid supported Mn(VII) is prepared by first reacting an H-saturated support with Mn(II) in solution. Mn(III) substituted Fe oxide coated on natural zeolite (FMNZ) is prepared by reacting Mn(II) and Fe(III) to a natural zeolite equilibrated with 2 N NaoH. The resulting Mn(IV) and Mn(III) oxide is precipitated from solution and dried to give supported Mn(IV) or Mn(III). The Mn(IV) material is reacted with 1,4-phenylenediamine (PDA) to form supported Mn(VII). In another aspect of the invention, Mn(II) is synthesized by adding 1,2-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride to uncoated and clay and-zeolite coated MnO2. Mn(II) and Mn(III) are synthesized by adding 1,2-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride and 1,4-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride, respectively, to uncoated Mn containing clays, and clay and-zeolite coated MnO2.

Abstract: Particulate MnO2, having simultaneously a micropore surface area greater than 8.0 m2/g, desirably between about 8.0 and 13 m2/g and BET surface area of between about 20 and 31 m2/g within the context of an MnO2 having a total intraparticle porosity of between about 0.035 cm3/g and 0.06 cm3/g produces enhanced performance when employed as cathode active material in an electrochemical cell, particularly an alkaline cell. The average pore radius of the meso and macro pores within the MnO2 (meso-macro pore radius) is desirably greater than 32 Angstrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium manganese complex oxide Li1+xMn2?xO4 (0?x?0.12) used as a cathode active material of a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery. The present invention provides a method for preparing a manganese compound comprising the step of simultaneously applying a mechanical force and heat energy to a manganese compound to remove defects present in particles of the manganese compound and to control the aggregation of particles and the shape of the aggregated particles, a method for preparing a lithium manganese complex oxide with a spinel structure using the manganese compound prepared by the above method as a raw material, and a lithium or lithium ion secondary battery using the lithium manganese complex oxide with a spinel structure prepared by the above method as a cathode active material.

Abstract: A method for obtaining pigments for ceramic and glass, particularly for substrates and coatings, including a step of adding a solution of an iron salt to at least one silicon addition agent including silica in gel form.

Abstract: A UV screening composition comprising particles which are capable of absorbing UV light so that electrons and positively charged holes are formed within the particles, characterised in that the particles are adapted to minimise migration to the surface of the particles of the electrons and/or the positively charged holes when said particles are exposed to UV light in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: Particulate MnO2, having simultaneously a micropore surface area greater than 8.0 m2/g, desirably between about 8.0 and 13 m2/g and BET surface area of between about 20 and 31 m2/g within the context of an MnO2 having a total intraparticle porosity of between about 0.035 cm3/g and 0.06 cm3/g produces enhanced performance when employed as cathode active material in an electrochemical cell, particularly an alkaline cell. The average pore radius of the meso and macro pores within the MnO2 (meso-macro pore radius) is desirably greater than 32 Angstrom.

Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating and pretreating oxides of manganese and precipitation of oxides of manganese from manganese salt solutions. Oxides of manganese, a slurry containing oxides of manganese or manganese salt solutions are mixed with heated aqueous oxidizing solutions and processed in a continuous process reactor. Temperature, pressure, Eh value, and pH value of the mixed solution are monitored and adjusted so as to maintain solution conditions within the MnO2 stability area during processing. This results in regenerated, pretreated and precipitated oxides of manganese having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. Oxides of manganese thus produced are, amongst other uses; suitable for use as a sorbent for capturing or removing target pollutants from industrial gas streams. Filtrate process streams containing useful and recoverable value present as spectator ions may be further processed to produce useful and marketable by-products.

Abstract: The invention is intended to establish means for stably producing manganese oxide high in tap density, suitable for use as a raw material for producing a positive plate material of a lithium secondary cell at high production yield and with high work efficiency. The means comprise the steps of employing a rotary kiln as a roasting furnace when producing manganese oxide by roasting of manganese carbonate, starting the roasting by supplying the manganese carbonate through a material charging port of the rotary kiln while filling up the roasting furnace with a low oxidizing atmosphere, (for example, in the atmosphere with oxygen concentration not more than 15%) and continuing the roasting of material for roasting while blowing an oxygen-containing gas (for example, a gas with oxygen concentration not less than 15%) onto the material for roasting, placed at a position inside the roasting furnace, away at a distance from the material charging port.

Abstract: Manganese dioxide for lithium primary batteries which is obtained by soda neutralization and heat treatment of electrolytic manganese dioxide and has a sodium content of 0.05 to 0.2% by weight and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A metal oxide powder except &agr;-alumina, comprising polyhedral particles having at least 6 planes each, a number average particle size of from 0.1 to 300 &mgr;m, and a D90/D10 ratio of 10 or less where D10 and D90 are particle sizes at 10% and 90% accumulation, respectively from the smallest particle size side in a cumulative particle size curve of the particles. This metal oxide powder contains less agglomerated particles, and has a narrow particle size distribution and a uniform particle shape.

Abstract: A method for making metal oxide agglomerates includes the steps of: preparing a mixed material by adding water and an acidic substance to metal refinery waste including metal oxide which is the main component, a carbonaceous substance in an amount sufficient for reducing the metal oxide, and 0.7 percent by mass or more of an alkali metal on a dry basis; and agglomerating the mixed material to form green agglomerates. The green agglomerates are then dried with a dryer to obtain dry metal oxide agglomerates exhibiting a high strength.

Abstract: This invention concerns intercalation compounds and in particular lithium intercalation compounds which have improved properties for use in batteries. Compositions of the invention include particulate metal oxide material having particles of multicomponent metal oxide, each including an oxide core of at least first and second metals in a first ratio, and each including a surface coating of metal oxide or hydroxide that does not include the first and second metals in the first ratio formed by segregation of at least one of the first and second metals from the core. The core may preferably comprise LixMyNzO2 wherein M and N are metal atom or main group elements, x, y and z are numbers from about 0 to about 1 and y and z are such that a formal charge on MyNz portion of the compound is (4−x), and having a charging voltage of at least about 2.5V.

Abstract: A method of producing fine particles of an oxide of a metal, comprising the steps of: preparing an acidic solution which contains ions of the metal; precipitating fine particles of a hydroxide of the metal by adding an alkaline solution to the acidic solution; collecting the fine particles of the hydroxide of the metal precipitated in a mixed solution of the acidic solution and the alkaline solution; mixing fine particles of a carbon with the collected fine particles of the hydroxide of the metal; and heat-treating a mixture of the fine particles of the hydroxide of the metal and the fine particles of the carbon at a predetermined temperature in a non-reducing atmosphere, whereby the fine particles of the oxide of the metal are produced.

Abstract: Particulate MnO2, having simultaneously a micropore surface area greater than 8.0 m2/g, desirably between about 8.0 and 13 m2/g and BET surface area of between about 20 and 31 m2/g within the context of an MnO2 having a total intraparticle porosity of between about 0.035 cm3/g and 0.06 cm3/g produces enhanced performance when employed as cathode active material in an electrochemical cell, particularly an alkaline cell. The average pore radius of the meso and macro pores within the MnO2 (meso-macro pore radius) is desirably greater than 32 Angstrom.

Abstract: An Mn—Zn ferrite wherein 0 to 5000 ppm of a Co oxide in a CO3O4 conversion is contained in a basic component constituted by Fe2O3: 51.5 to 57.0 mol % and ZnO: 0 to 15 mol % (note that 0 is not included) wherein the rest is substantially constituted by MnO; and a value &agr; in a formula (1) below in said ferrite satisfies &agr;≧0.93.

Abstract: Manganese oxide particles have been produced having an average diameter less than about 500 nm and a very narrow distribution of particle diameters. Methods are described for producing metal oxides by performing a reaction with an aerosol including a metal precursor. Heat treatments can be performed in an oxidizing environment to alter the properties of the manganese oxide particles.

Abstract: This invention provides a reducing-atmosphere-resistant thermistor element, the resistance of which does not greatly change even when the element is exposed to a reducing atmosphere, and which has high accuracy and exhibits excellent resistance value stability. The thermistor element has a construction in which an oxygen occlusion-release composition, having oxygen occlusion-release characteristics, such as CeO2 is dispersed in a composition containing a mixed sintered body (M1 M2)O3.AOx as a principal component. The oxygen occlusion-release composition emits absorbed oxygen in a reducing atmosphere and suppresses migration of oxygen from the composition constituting the element. Therefore, the resistance value does not greatly change even when the element is exposed to a reducing atmosphere, and the element can accurately detect the temperature for a long time. The present invention can thus provide a temperature sensor having high reliability.

Abstract: Nanoscale, mesoporous manganese oxide materials aerogels and ambigels are prepared by altering the method for removing pore liquid from manganese oxide gels. By removing pore fluid under conditions where capillary forces are substantially absent, materials exhibiting a desired high mesoporosity and high surface area can be obtained.