Preparation, structural and sintering properties of AZO nanoparticles by solgel combustion method

Al doped ZnO (AZO) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a novel sol-gel combustion method using Zn, Al(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O, HNO3, C6H8O7 center dot H2O, CH4N2O as raw materials. The effects of Al doping concentration, pH value and calcination temperature on the thermal effect, crystal structure, morphology, composition and sintering activity of AZO nanoparticles were characterized by TG-DTA, XRD, EDS, FESEM and Archimedes' method. Results indicated that AZO nanoparticles exhibited improved crystallinity with the increase of calcination temperature. Al atoms were doped into ZnO lattice without forming other new phases. The calcination temperature, Al doping concentration and pH value of AZO nanoparticles had a significant influence on the sintering activity of AZO nanoparticles. Al doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized at pH value of 4 and calcined at 600 degrees C showed the best sintering activity, which was mainly owing to formation of both well-crystallized and very fine AZO nanoparticles, thus providing raw sources with high-activated and naked surfaces without hydroxyl radicals or organic residuals.