Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline forsterite through citrate–nitrate route

Nanocrystalline forsterite, Mg2SiO4, powder was synthesized according to the citrate–nitrate technique using an aqueous solution of magnesium nitrate, colloidal silica, citric acid, and ammonia. The dried precursor and the powders calcined at different temperatures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The initial crystallization temperature of forsterite was around 770 °C while fully crystallized forsterite was obtained at 860 °C with a crystallite size of about 30 nm.