Kinetic patterns in the formation of nanosized manganese–manganese oxide systems

Transformations in nanosized manganese films are studied by means of optical spectroscopy, microscopy, and gravimetry at different film thicknesses (d = 4–108 nm) and temperatures of heat treatment (T = 373–673 K). It is found that the kinetic curves of conversion are satisfactorily described in the terms of linear, inverse logarithmic, cubic, and logarithmic laws. The contact potential difference is measured for Mn and MnO films, and photo EMF is measured for Mn–MnO systems. An energy band diagram is constructed for Mn–MnO systems. A model for the thermal transformation of Mn films is proposed that includes stages of oxygen adsorption, the redistribution of charge carriers in the contact field of Mn–MnO, and manganese(II) oxide formation.