Synthesis and characterization of coralline magnesium oxide nanoparticles

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel process. The nanoparticles were then dried using a supercritical drying process. The particles were characterized for surface morphology, crystal structure, and surface functionality. The nanoparticles show a coralline structure with an average particle size of 200-300 nm with a surface area of 257 m(2)/g. The X-ray diffraction spectra of these materials are also obtained. The MgO particles, when contacted with a model explosive component 2, 4 dinitrotoluene in water at 50 degrees C, showed a concentration reduction of 96%.