Synthesis and characterization of MgO nanocrystals using strong and weak bases

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were synthesized with varying normality of strong and weak bases using sol-gel method. KOH and NaOH were used as strong base; NH4OH and Na2CO3 were used as weak base for preparation of MgO nanocrystal. The nanocrystal size of MgO increased from strong base to weak base. Crystallite size of MgO was obtained as 1 N KOH/NaOH < NH4OH < Na2CO3. Nanocrystal MgO synthesized by 1 N, 3 N and 5 N KOH were of the same size 21 nm, 24 nm and 24 nm respectively as formed with 1 N, 3 N and 5 N NaOH base. Crystallite size of MgO synthesized by 3 N NH4OH and Na2CO3 was less compared to that synthesized by 1 N and 5 N NH4OH and Na2CO3. Yield of MgO increased with increase in the normality of both bases. XRD characterizations were carried out to assure the phase purity of the synthesized MgO powder. Crystallite size of synthesized MgO was obtained by Scherrerʹs equation from XRD peaks. SEM micrographs showed spherical, filamentous and agglomerated surface structure of synthesized particles with strong and weak bases of different normality.