Preparation and characterization of the magnesium aluminate nanoparticles via a green approach and its photocatalyst application

摘要

Pure magnesium aluminate (MgAl_2O_4) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by novel sol-gel method with the aid of Mg(NO_3)_2.6H_2O, Al(NO_3)_3-9H_2O, and starch without adding external surfactant. Moreover, starch plays role as capping agent, reducing agent, and natural template in the synthesis MgAl_2O_4 nanoparticles. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as obtained products were characterized by techniques such X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The sample indicated a ferromagnetic behavior, as evidenced by using vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. To evaluate the photocatalyst properties of nanocrystalline magnesium aluminate, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation was carried out.