Normal micelle synthesis and characterization of MgAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles

Magnesium-aluminurn oxide, MgAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles have been synthesized using normal micelle microemulsion methods. A mixed magnesium-aluminum hydroxide is initially formed which after annealing at 600degreesC forms nanocrystallinc MgAl2O4 spinel. By controlling reactant concentration in the micelle Solution, the particle size has been tuned over the range 4-20 nm. The reaction pathways have been determined by using the characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.