New strategies to synthesize nanosized oxides

Nanotechnology is an emerging field that focus on reducing a material from macro scale to nanoscale. Nanosized oxides have been attracting attention due to better properties achieved when a bulk materials goes into nano scale. It is frequently used in applications such as energy storage, catalysts, microelectronic devices and solar cells. With this objective in mind, different synthesis methods have been developed. However, these synthesis methods face issues, for example, high cost, difficulty in scaling up, complicated procedures and safety factors. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop a new synthesizing method to reduce or eliminate the issues faced. In this new synthesis method, three different types of heat treatments would be considered, compared and analysed to determine the most effective heat treatment method. In addition, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanotube are added into the synthesis process. The first heat treatment process involves placing the powder sample in a ceramic cup and heating it on a hot plate, while the second heat treatment process involves placing a pellet sample directly on the hot plate and the third heat treatment process involves heating the pellet sample in a furnace. This new synthesis method is relatively simple, low cost and is also able to scale up easily. In this study, two characterization methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) would be utilized. The SEM images obtained shows agglomeration occurring, the crystals are in nano-range, while particles sizes are in micro-range. There are incomplete oxidation and formation of other compositions and impurities as shown from the XRD images. Comparing between the three different methods, the sample heated in a furnace has the highest degree of oxidation. Lastly, conclusion and recommendations were also discussed.Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering