PROCESS FOR SYNTHESIS OF MG2SI/MGO NANOCOMPOSITES

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a composite material comprising steps of: (a) reacting gaseous magnesium (Mg) and silica (SiO₂) in an inert atmosphere; (b) washing the product obtained in step (a) in an acidic medium; and (c) reacting further gaseous magnesium (Mg) with the silica (SiO₂) and silicon (Si) product obtained in step (b). The process of the invention allows Mg₂Si/MgO nanocomposites to be prepared without too many separate steps, and wherein the MgO phase is homogeneously dispersed within the Mg₂Si matrix. The nanocomposites obtained may for example find practical application as thermoelectric materials in thermoelectric generators.