Synthesis of Al nanoparticles: transmission electron microscopy, thermal and spectral studies

Abstract

Nanoparticles of Al(0) were synthesized by solution reduction process successfully. The influence of parameters on the size of Al(0) nanoparticles were studied and the referential process parameters were obtained. The morphology and structure of the synthesized Al(0) nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), QELS Data and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR). The results show that nanoparticles of Al(0) are of high purity. XRD analysis revealed all relevant Bragg's reflection for crystal structure of Al metal. XRD spectrum also indicates there is no oxidation of Al(0) nanoparticles to aluminum oxide. TEM showed nearly uniform distribution of the particles in methanol and it was confirmed by QELS. Al(0) nanoparticles can be synthesized easily by reducing agent and are quite stable too.