Fabrication of morphology-controlled MgO nanowhiskers and “nanocrosses” by magnesiothermic synthesis in vapor phase at 550 °C

Abstract

Morphology-controlled magnesium oxide nanowhiskers have been fabricated on quartz glass fiber substrates using Mg particles as the raw material at relatively low temperatures of 550 °C and 600 °C. The as-prepared nanowhisker and nanocrosses samples were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrum (EDS). The MgO nanowhiskers were found to have crystallized structures with growth along the [100] direction. The surfaces of the crossing whisker are considered to be in the (200) lattice plane. The partial pressure of the Mg vapor and the annealing time have played significant roles in determining the diameter and morphology of the nanowhisker. Their adsorption capacity can reduce the concentration of methylene blue solution, which may drive potential applications in biological or environmental areas.