Microwave-assisted synthesis of spherical monodispersed magnesium fluoride

Spherical monodispersed magnesium fluoride has been obtained using the microwave-assisted precipitation technique from magnesium nitrate and ammonium fluoride solutions. Studies aimed at optimizing synthesis conditions from the point of view of preparing spherical MgF₂ particles of possibly high monodispersity were performed. Spherical MgF₂ particles of 0.25-0.36 μm in diameter have been obtained with relative standard deviation from the average value ranging from 7 to 15%. It has been established that a certain optimal range of Mg(NO₃)₂ and NH₄F concentrations exists that enables a highly monodispersed MgF₂ to be prepared. The range is narrow (0.01-0.03 mol dm⁻³) for both precursors. Spherical MgF₂ particles have been characterized by SEM, XRD, DTG/DTA and FTIR techniques.