Flash microwave synthesis of trevorite nanoparticles

Nickel ferrite nanoparticles have several possible applications as cathode materials for rechargeable batteries, named “lithium-ion” batteries. In this study, NiFe2O4 was prepared by microwave induced thermohydrolysis. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). All the results show that the microwave one-step flash synthesis leads in a very short time to NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with elementary particles size close to 4–5 nm, and high specific surfaces (close to 240 m2/g). Thus, microwave heating appears as an efficient source of energy to produce quickly nanoparticles with complex composition as ferrite.

Graphical abstractAt the end of the 20th century, a new concept of battery was introduced, named “Li ion”, where electrodes are both lithium-storage materials. Compounds with a spinel structure are so investigated and microwave heating appears as an efficient source of energy to produce nanoparticles in a very short time and at low temperature, with controlled size (4–5 nm) and high specific area (240 m2/g).Legend: Pictogram represents our original microwave reactor, the RAMO (French acronym of Réacteur Autoclave Micro-Onde), containing the reactants and submitted to the microwave irradiation. Multicolor candy represents obtained material.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide