A facile synthesis of grainy rod-like porous MgO

Porous magnesia (MgO) with grainy rod-like microstructure was synthesized by hydrothermal process at 180 degrees C/5 h in the presence of urea. The as-prepared particles crystallized as Mg-5(CO3)(4)(OH)(2)center dot 5H(2)O which transformed to MgO phase at 600-700 degrees C. The BET surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of 600 degrees C-treated sample were found to be 46 m(2) g(-1), 0.34 cm(3) g(-1) and 30.4 nm, respectively. Microstructural analysis indicated grainy rod-like microstructure (aspect ratio 10-30) in which the nanograin-like particles (20-50 nm) were assembled like architectural design. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.