Synthesis of nanocrystalline MgAl2O4 spinel powders by a novel chemical method

A novel chemical method for the preparation of nanocrystalline MgAl2O4 spinel powders has been developed in this paper. The mixed magnesium–aluminum hydroxide precipitates were initially formed in a three-dimensional space network microarea. After being calcined at above 700 °C, the nanocrystalline MgAl2O4 spinel powders were obtained. The precursor and as-calcined powders were characterized using TGA–DTA, XRD and TEM. The MgAl2O4 spinel powders calcined at 850 °C for 2 h are of narrow distribution, little agglomeration and small particle size of ∼ 24 nm. The reason for the synthesis of high-quality powders was explained.