Ultra fast synthesis of nanocrystalline metal oxides using microwave assisted solution combustion method

Abstract

Nanocrystalline metal oxides have been successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted solution combustion synthesis using urea as a fuel. PXRD pattern and FT-IR spectra confirm the formation of highly crystalline metal oxides in a very short time. We also studied the influence of fuel to oxidizer ratio (F/O ratio) on the formation of these nanocrystalline oxides. Thermal stability of the samples was investigated using TG-DSC technique. Surface morphology indicated the formation of porous structure. This synthesis process is an economical method for the preparation of nanocrystalline metal oxides with regard to energy, time and simplicity. The above reactions carried out outside the microwave reactor did not result in any products of similar kind.