Utilizing the ozonation pathway for enhanced conversion of manganese dithionate to manganese dioxide from acid leaching solution: Insights into mechanism and kinetics

• Ozonation achieves >99.3% conversion of manganese dithionate (MnS2O6) in acid leaching solution, yielding high-purity manganese dioxide (MnO2). • The conversion mechanism proceeds via two pathways: direct oxidation of Mn2+ to MnO2 and HO•-mediated catalytic oxidation of S2O6^2− to SO4^2−. • Kinetic analysis reveals an ozonation rate constant with a pre-exponential factor of 1.0×10^23 s−1 and a total activation energy of 177.28 kJ/mol. • O3-based treatment eliminates SO2 gas release, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional MnS2O6 management.