Abstract: | Using Al(OiPr)3 (aluminium-iso-propoxide) and Zn(NO3)2⋅ 6H2O as starting materials, HNO3 as catalyst, ZnAl2O4 spinel nanometer powders were prepared at lower sintering temperatures. The gels and sintered samples of ZnAl2O4 were characterized by means of thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Pure ZnAl2O4 spinel nanometer powders were produced by calcining the gel above 450∘C, with the crystallite size of 7–20 nm in the temperature range of 500–900∘C. |