Nanocrystalline Todorokite-Like Manganese Oxide Produced by Bacterial Catalysis

• Published in: Journal of the American Chemical Society Vol. 125; no. 47; pp. 14284 - 14285
• Main Authors: Kim, Hack-Sung, Pastén, Pablo A, Gaillard, Jean-François, Stair, Peter C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 26.11.2003
• Subjects: Catalysis; Chemistry; Crystallization; Elements and non-metal compounds (oxides, hydroxides, hydrides, sulfides, carbides, ...); Exact sciences and technology; Fourier Analysis; Inorganic chemistry and origins of life; Leptothrix - metabolism; Manganese Compounds - chemistry; Manganese Compounds - metabolism; Oxides - chemistry; Oxides - metabolism; Preparations and properties; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Characterization; Manganese oxides; Catalytic reaction; Transition metal Compounds; Bacteria; Leptothrix; Raman spectrometry; Inorganic synthesis; EXAFS spectrometry; Biocatalyst
• ISSN: 0002-7863; 1520-5126
• DOI: 10.1021/ja0375784

We describe the characterization of an unknown and difficult to identify but geochemically and environmentally significant MnO x structure produced by a freshwater bacterium, Leptothrix discophora SP-6, using combined transmission electron microscopy (TEM), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and UV Raman spectroscopy. The large surface-to-volume ratio of the needle-shaped nanocrystalline MnO2 formed around the bacterial cells coupled to the porous, zeolite-like structure has the potential to catalyze reactions and oxidize and adsorb metals.