Synthesis of MnZnO composites as catalysts for ethanol and toluene oxidation. Recovery of zinc and manganese from alkaline and zinc-carbon spent batteries. The better performance of MnOx is due to the higher Mn/Zn ratio and the absence of ZnO. FTIR show that ethanol is adsorbed to form ethoxy and acetate species. Benzene (g) → Benzyl (a), Benzoate (a) → CO2.