Spectral, thermal and morphological studies of chromium nanoparticles

Abstract

Cr(0) nanoparticles were synthesized by solution reduction process successfully. The influence of parameters on the size of Cr(0) nanoparticles was studied and the referential process parameters were obtained. The morphology and structure of the synthesized Cr(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 Cr(0) nanoparticles are of high purity. XRD analysis revealed all relevant Bragg's reflection for crystal structure of Cr metal. XRD spectrum also indicates that there is no oxidation of Cr(0) nanoparticles to chromium oxide. TEM showed nearly uniform distribution of particles in methanol which was confirmed by QELS. Cr(0) nanoparticles can be synthesized easily by reducing agent and are quite stable too.