Self-assembled Mg(OH)2 gels driving to MgO nanoribbons

Templated-MgO nanoribbons are able to curl up into nanometric spheres under ultrasound irradiation.

Structural characterization of SnO nanoparticles synthesized by the hydrothermal and microwave routes

SnO particles were synthesized by an alkali-assisted hydrothermal and microwave methods. The aqueous-based reactions were carried out at pH ~ 8, under inert atmosphere (Ar). The reactions were taken under different times, and a full XRD structural analysis was made to evaluate the conversion from the Sn₆O₄(OH)₄ intermediate to SnO particles. Williamson-Hall analysis showed that the size and strain of the SnO particles were time and route treatment dependent. Microwave heating yielded a single tetragonal SnO phase after 1 h of thermal treatment, and TEM images revealed spherical-shaped SnO nanoparticles with an average size of 9(1) nm. While by the hydrothermal treatment single SnO phase was obtained only after 4 hours, yielding non-uniform and elongated particles with sub-micrometric size. A dissolution-recrystallization process was taken into account as the mechanism for SnO particles formation, in which hydroxylated complexes, Sn₂(OH)₆⁻², then condense to form the oxide. The time-shorting reaction provided by the microwave-assisted synthesis may be attributed to better heat distribution.