Comparative study of microwave and conventional methods for the preparation and optical properties of novel MgO-micro and nano-structures

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2011-10, Vol.509 (41), p.9809-9815
• Main Authors: Selvam, N. Clament Sagaya, Kumar, R. Thinesh, Kennedy, L. John, Vijaya, J. Judith
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electron microscopy; Exact sciences and technology; Low-dimensional structures (superlattices, quantum well structures, multilayers): structure, and nonelectronic properties; Magnesium oxide; Materials science; Methods of nanofabrication; Microwave assisted synthesis; Nanocrystals and nanoparticles; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Optical properties; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optical properties of low-dimensional, mesoscopic, and nanoscale materials and structures; Physics; Scanning electron microscopy; Spectroscopy; Surface chemistry; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Transmission electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction; X-rays
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2011.08.032

. A simple and rapid microwave-assisted combustion method was developed to synthesize MgO. The formation of novel MgO nanosheets structure was confirmed by HR-SEM and TEM. For the purpose of comparison, MgO was also prepared using conventional combustion route. The optical absorption and photoluminescence emissions were determined by DRS and PL spectra respectively. (a) SEM and (b) TEM images of MgO nanosheets. [Display omitted] ► MgO nanosheets structure was synthesised by a simple microwave-assisted combustion method for the first time. ► The as-synthesized MgO nanosheets and micro cubes were found to have good optical properties. ► An attempt has been made to compare the lattice parameter and the PL intensity. Magnesium oxide (MgO) was synthesised by a simple microwave-assisted combustion route without using any template, catalyst or surfactant. For the purpose of comparison, it was also prepared using conventional method. The as-synthesized MgO was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The XRD results confirmed the formation of cubic phase MgO. FT-IR was used to investigate the adsorption of water and CO 2 on MgO surface and confirm the formation of Mg-O phase. The formation of MgO micro cubes structures was confirmed by HR-SEM. The formation of MgO nanosheets was confirmed by HR-SEM and TEM and their possible formation mechanisms were also proposed. The optical absorption and photoluminescence emissions were determined by DRS and PL spectra respectively. An attempt has been made to compare the lattice parameter and the PL intensity.