Preparation of nanometer magnesium aluminate spinel powders by sol-gel method

MgAl2O4 powder of 100∼300 nm was synthesised by sol-gel process with magnesium aluminium double n-butoxide as precursors. The dried gels transformed to ultrafine powders of MgA12O4 spinel phase at 800°C, and the intact MgA12O4 spinel phase formed at 1200°C. The microphotograph of MgA12O4 calcined at 1200°C showed that the powders got a small granularity, and good dispersivity. The property of magnesium aluminium n-butoxide was also studied by IR spectrum.