SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANO CuO/Al2O3 MIXED OXIDES BY CHEMICAL COPRECIPITATION WITHOUT USING ADDITIVES

ABSTRACT
In this research, mixed oxides nanoparticles of CuO/Al2O3 were
synthesized by chemical coprecitation without the use of additives
(surfactants). The use of additives in the synthesis of nanoparticles by
coprecipitation results in less aggregation and enhances finer
nanoparticles. However, non use of surfactant in the nanoparticles
synthesis of CuO/Al2O3 can be explore in the process eliminating the
additional cost especially where the application of the particles is for
reinforcement purposes if nanoscale particles can be achieved without
additives as seen in this research. An average crystallite size of 92.12nm
was achieved and the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern shows a different
combination of peaks produce from different phases which validates that
produced particles is a mixture. Observation of the shapes in the
micrograph of produced particles suggests spherical from CuO and spike
from Al2O3 which further validates mixed components.

Keyword: Characterisation, Coprecipitation, Mixed-oxide, Nanoparticles,
Nanotechnology, Surfactant.