Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic property of nanosized MgO flakes with different shapes

• MgO nanoflakes with different morphologies were synthesized by a simple low-temperature hydrothermal process.
• EDTA and KCl additives have a great effect on the morphology of the products.
• Quasi-circular MgO nanoflakes exhibited higher catalytic activity on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate.

The nanostructures of quasi-circular and hexagonal magnesium oxide (MgO) flakes were successfully prepared by a simple low-temperature hydrothermal reaction. The morphologies were confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the nanostructures consisted of cubic-phase MgO. When ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and potassium chloride were added to the reaction system, the shapes of the synthesized products were found to transform from hexagonal to quasi-circular nanoflakes for different time scales. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated numerous hydroxyl radicals on the surface. Quasi-circular magnesia nanoflakes exhibited relatively high catalyst activity for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. The mechanism of enhanced catalyst activity was also discussed.