Sol–gel synthesis of forsterite nanopowders with narrow particle size distribution

Abstract

Forsterite (FS) nanopowders (∼27 nm) were synthesized using a sol–gel route with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and tetra ethyl ortho-silicate as magnesium and silicon precursors, respectively. Nitric acid was used as a catalyst. After aging, the FS gel was calcined at 800 °C for 30 min. The calcined powders were characterized for phase composition using X-ray diffractrometry and fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The particle size and morphology was studied using transmission electron microscopy. The particle size distribution analysis of FS powders showed skewed distribution plot with particle size ranging from 5–90 nm. This study showed that high phase purity and narrowly distributed FS nanoparticles could be obtained using this simple sol–gel technique.