Hydrothermally obtained α-MnO₂ nanowire characterizations confirm the tetragonal crystalline structure that is several micrometers long and 20–30 nm in diameter with narrow distributions in their dimensions. The absorption calculated from diffuse reflectance of α-MnO₂ occurred in the visible region ranging from 400 to 550 nm. The calculated band gap with Quantum Espresso using HSE approximation is ~2.4 eV for the ferromagnetic case, with a slightly larger gap of 2.7 eV for the antiferromagnetic case, which is blue-shifted as compared to the experimental. The current work also illustrates the transformations that occur in the material under heat treatment during TGA analysis, with the underlying mechanism. Electrochemical studies on graphite supports modified with α-MnO₂ compositions revealed the modified electrode with the highest electric double-layer capacitance of 3.444 mF cm⁻². The degradation rate of an organic dye—rhodamine B (RhB)—over the compound in an acidic medium was used to examine the catalytic and photocatalytic activities of α-MnO₂. The peak shape changes in the time-dependent visible spectra of RhB during the photocatalytic reaction were more complex and progressive. In two hours, RhB degradation reached 97% under sun irradiation and 74% in the dark.

The developments concerning new hybrids based on porphyrin derivatives and colloids destined for the detection of ascorbic acid (AA) in the relevant range for medical investigations are presented. Mn(III) tetratolylporphyrin chloride (MnTTPCl), spherical gold colloid (n-Au), and their hybrid (MnTTPCl/n-Au) were chosen to be comparatively investigated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy in the presence of AA. The hybrid material (MnTTPCl/n-Au) has the best capacity to detect concentrations of AA in the range of 2.6 × 10 ⁻⁶ –4.38 × 10 ⁻⁵ M. Modified glassy carbon (GC) electrodes were obtained by thin film deposition of MnTTPCl, n-Au alone, and in successive mixed thin films, comparing their response during the electrochemical oxidation of AA. The electrocatalytic effect of the MnTTPCl on the AA oxidation is justified both by the increase in the peak current density and by the shift toward more negative potentials (0.024 V). The GC/MnTTPCl electrode has the best electrocatalytic effect for the AA oxidation and is promising for sensor applications.