Magnesium oxide nanoparticles prepared by ultrasound enhanced hydrolysis of Mg-alkoxides

Sonochemical synthesis followed by supercritical drying was used to prepare MgO nanoparticles from Mg(OCH3)(2) and Mg(OC2H5)(2). Their physicochemical properties were examined by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermal analysis (DTA, TG, EGA), specific surface area measurement, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The dehydrated MgO oxides were free of -OCH3 groups. The highest values of specific surface area (1236 m(2) g(-1)) have been obtained by hydrolysis of magnesium methoxide using toluene as solvent agent. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.