Synthesis of nano-sized MgO particle and thin film from diethanolamine-stabilized magnesium-methoxide

The effects of diethanolamine (DEA) addition on the crystallization behavior of magnesium methoxide and the stabilization behavior of the Mg-alkoxide were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. 20 mol% DEA additions to magnesium methoxide showed enhanced stability such that a time-dependent change in the sol was not observed in air. Moreover, the DEA addition enhanced the crystallization process. Crystalline MgO in the 20 mol% of DEA-added magnesium methoxide powder was observed at 300°C for samples processed in O₂ and a high degree of crystallinity was observed at 400°C when processed in O₂. The enhanced crystallization of Mg-methoxide with added DEA in O₂ is discussed in terms of structural relaxation and heat generation during the ignition of an organic species of DEA. Using a DEA added sol, a MgO thin film with a high degree of crystallinity was prepared at 400°C in O₂.