Synthesis of magnesium oxide nanopowder via plasma processing route

Abstract

We describe a less time consuming and scalable thermal plasma process for the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. In this process, argon is used as the plasmagen gas to form argon plasma. In the presence of argon plasma magnesite powder was decomposed to form nano magnesia within ten minutes. This as-synthesised magnesia has been analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) for phase, morphology and presence of surface functional groups, respectively. The phase and average crystallite size of the as-synthesised powder was determined from XRD pattern. Further, Raman spectroscopy was used to observe the phase and phase purity. Finally, the spherical shape of the as-formed magnesia powder was observed using TEM.