The obtaining of NiCr2O4 nanoparticles by unconventional synthesis methods

This paper presents a study regarding the obtaining of NiCr2O4 by two new unconventional synthesis methods: (i) the first method is based on the formation of Cr(III) and Ni(II) carboxylate-type precursors in the redox reaction between the nitrate ion and 1,3-propanediol. The thermal decomposition of these complex combinations, at ~300 °C, leads to an oxide mixture of Cr2O3+x and NiO, with advanced homogeneity, small particles and high reactivity. On heating this mixture at 500 °C, Cr2O3 reacts with NiO to form NiCr2O4, which was evidenced by FT-IR and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis; (ii) the second method starts from a mechanical mixture of (NH4)2Cr2O7 and Ni(NO3)2·6H2O. On heating this mixture, a violent decomposition at 240 °C with formation of an oxides mixture (Cr2O3 + CrO3) and NiO takes place. On thermal treatment up to 500 °C, an intermediary phase NiCrO4 is formed, which by decomposition at ~700 °C leads to NiCr2O4, evidenced by FT-IR and XRD analysis. NiCr2O4 is formed, in both cases, starting with a temperature higher than 400 °C, when the non-stoichiometric chromium oxide (Cr2O3+x) loses the oxygen excess and turns to stoichiometric chromium oxide (Cr2O3), which further reacts with NiO.