New Crystal Structure: Synthesis and Characterization of Hexagonal Wurtzite MnO

Most transition metal oxides have a cubic rocksalt crystal structure, but ZnO and CoO are the only stable transition metal oxides known to possess a hexagonal structure. Unprecedented hexagonal wurtzite MnO has been prepared by thermal decomposition of Mn­(acac)2 on a carbon template. Structural characterization has been carried out by TEM, SAED, and a Rietveld analysis using XRD. The experimental and theoretical magnetic results indicate magnetic ordering of the hexagonal wurtzite MnO. Density functional calculations have been performed in order to understand the electronic and piezoelectric properties of the newly synthesized hexagonal wurtzite MnO.