Role of fuel/oxidizer ratio on the synthesis conditions of Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposite prepared through solution combustion synthesis

The role of fuel/oxidizer ratio in the synthesis conditions of Cu–Al2O3 nanocomposite, which was prepared through solution combustion synthesis, method was investigated. For this purpose, copper and aluminum nitrates as well as urea were used as oxidizer and fuel, respectively. The fuel/oxidizer (F/O) ratios were selected from the range of 0.9–1.75. The products were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM techniques. During the process the temperature was recorded as a function of time. The results showed that by increasing the F/O ratio up to the stoichiometric amount, the combustion temperature increases. Further increment of F/O ratio resulted in a decrease in the combustion temperature. Microscopic evaluations, using SEM and TEM, proved feasibility of the production of Cu–Al2O3 through this method.

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► With increasing the fuel to oxidizer ratio synthesis products changed from CuO to Cu2O.
► With increasing the fuel to oxidizer ratio the combustion temperature decreased.
► Maximum ratio that synthesis could occur was achieved.
► The stoichiometric ratio had the maximum combustion temperature.
► Solution with graphite had lower combustion temperature.