One-step decomposition of basic carbonates into single-phase crystalline metallic oxides nanoparticle by ultrasonic wave-assisted ball milling technology

CuO and NiO nanoparticles were successfully prepared by means of solid–liquid reaction ball milling assisted by ultrasonic wave at relative low temperature, using basic cupric carbonate (BCC) and basic nickel carbonate (BNC) as the raw materials. The phases and particle size of the as-milled products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and TEM, respectively. Under mechanical force coupled with ultrasonic wave, BCC and BNC were directly decomposed into CuO and NiO nanoparticles, respectively. By the comparison of the as-milled products with and without the help of ultrasonic wave, it is found that ultrasonic wave is a key factor in promoting the decomposition of BCC and BNC. Furthermore, the mechanism of the decomposition reaction assisted by ultrasonic wave was discussed.