Synthesis and Characterization of ZnAl2O4 Nanopowders by a Reverse Micelle Processing

Using reverse micelle processing, $ZnAl_2O_4$ nanopowders were synthesized from a mixed precursor(consisting of $Zn(NO_3)_2$ and $Al(NO_3)_3$). The $ZnAl_2O_4$ was prepared by mixing the aqueous solution at a molar ratio of Zn : Al = 1 : 2. The average size and distribution of the synthesized powders with heat treatment at $600^{\circ}C$ for 2 h were in the range of 10-20 nm and narrow, respectively. The average size of the synthesized powders increased with increasing water to surfactant molar ratio. The XRD diffraction patterns show that the phase of $ZnAl_2O_4$ was spinel(JCPDS No. 05-0669). The synthesized and calcined powders were characterized using a thermogravimetric - differential scanning calorimeter(TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM). The effects of the synthesis parameter, such as the molar ratio of water to surfactant, are discussed.