Impact of annealing on the structural properties of MgO nanoparticles by XRD analysis and Rietveld refinement

Abstract

In the present study, pure Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles have been synthesized by solid combustion method. Effect of annealing on the structural properties of the MgO nanoparticles has been analyzed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show the formation of cubic phase of MgO in both as-prepared and annealed (850 °C) samples. Crystallite size of the as-prepared and annealed samples estimated by Scherrer formula is ∼15 nm and ∼18 nm respectively, which is validated by Williamson-Hall plot method. Rietveld refinement analysis of XRD patterns has been carried out to calculate various crystallographic parameters and to investigate defects in lattice. Presence of Mg vacancies is inferred from refinement. Texture coefficient of the crystal planes is calculated to inspect preferred growth direction of crystals.