Normal micelle synthesis and characterization of MgAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles

Magnesium-aluminum oxide, MgAl₂O₄ spinel nanoparticles have been synthesized using normal micelle microemulsion methods. A mixed magnesium-aluminum hydroxide is initially formed which after annealing at 600°C forms nanocrystalline MgAl₂O₄ spinel. By controlling reactant concentration in the micelle solution, the particle size has been tuned over the range 4-20 nm. The reaction pathways have been determined by using the characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.