Synthesis and characterization of NiO and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles obtained by a sucrose-based route

Crystalline oxide powders were synthesized in nanoscale dimensions by a simple and novel chemical route, which is based on the use of sucrose as a chelating agent. The starting solutions were evaporated at 60∘C and the resulting gel was heated up to 300, 600 or 750∘C. The process was able to produce nickel oxide and nickel ferrite, characterized by structural and microscopic techniques. The average size of the particle was estimated by both Scherrer's equation and electron microscopy, and the results indicated that particles with a high crystallinity and a mean size in the range of 11-36 nm were obtained. This synthesis route was able to produce NiFe2O4 and NiO nanoparticles at temperatures as low as 300 and 350∘C, respectively.