Synthesis of mesoporous MgO nanoplate by an easy solvothermal–annealing method

Mg(OH)2 nanoplate with single-crystal structure was synthesized by a solvothermal method without using any surfactants or organic templates. MgO was obtained by annealing Mg(OH)2 at low temperature. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. The results indicate that MgO sample inherits the nanoplate morphology and single-crystal structure of Mg(OH)2. Moreover, MgO nanoplate has disordered mesoporous structure, large BET surface area, and high pore volume. The BET surface area and pore volume can reach up to 373.2 m2/g and 0.71 cm3/g. The dehydration of Mg(OH)2 during heat treatment results in the formation of mesopores. The effect of the solvothermal reaction temperature, the solvothermal reaction solvent, and the annealing temperature on the BET surface areas of MgO products was studied.

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