Synthesis and characterization of NiO and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles obtained by a sucrose-based route

Abstract Crystalline oxide powders were synthesized in nanoscale dimensions by a simple and novel chemical route, which is based on the use of sucrose as a chelating agent. The starting solutions were evaporated at 60 ∘ C and the resulting gel was heated up to 300, 600 or 750 ∘ C . The process was able to produce nickel oxide and nickel ferrite, characterized by structural and microscopic techniques . The average size of the particle was estimated by both Scherrer's equation and electron microscopy, and the results indicated that particles with a high crystallinity and a mean size in the range of 11–36 nm were obtained. This synthesis route was able to produce NiFe 2 O 4 and NiO nanoparticles at temperatures as low as 300 and 350 ∘ C , respectively.