Preparation and characterization of Mg nanoparticles

In this paper, Mg nanoparticles were prepared in tetrahydrofuran via lithium reduction of the corresponding Mg salt. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope investigations confirm the formation of hexagonal phase Mg particles with an average size of 300 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer analysis indicates that the as-prepared Mg nanoparticles are covered with a protecting layer consisting of residue solvents, naphthalene and Mg(OH)2, which slows down further oxidation under ambient conditions. Thermal analysis shows that the rapid oxidation and nitridation processes of the particles take place at around 500 °C and 553 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of a small amount of magnesium nanoparticles remarkably catalyzes the decomposition process of ammonium perchlorate by lowering the decomposition temperature and enhancing its heat output.