Green, nonchemical route for the synthesis of MnWO 4 nanostructures, evaluation of their photocatalytic and electrochemical performance

This research article presents the synthesis of MnWO 4 nanoparticles using a combination of MnCl 2 and Na 2 WO 4 ·2H 2 O as precursors, with water as the sole solvent for dissolution, eliminating the need for additional solvents. The synthesized materials underwent comprehensive characterization employing various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry. The photocatalytic activity of MnWO 4 nanoparticles for degrading the organic contaminant methylene blue in water was also investigated under visible light irradiation. Notably, a significant degradation of methylene blue was observed, with 98% degradation achieved within a 120-min irradiation period. Additionally, the material was subjected to electrochemical studies to assess its sensing capabilities and exhibited strong sensing activity by detecting nano-molar concentrations of nitrite solution.