Synthesis and characterization of nano-sized nickel(II), copper(I) and zinc(II) oxide nanoparticles

Ultrafine, equiaxed and monodisperse oxide particles with an average grain diameter in the range of 1–10 nm have been prepared by a two-step chemical approach: the chemical reduction of metallic salts by activated sodium hydride in tetrahydrofuran solvent, followed by oxidation of the metallic species with small amounts of O2–N2 gas. Such particles are easily, quantitatively and reproducibly prepared and are stable on storage. The average crystallite sizes and the agglomeration of particles were estimated from dark-field transmission electron micrographs. The nature of the chemical bonding was studied by electron-energy-loss spectroscopy and structural information were obtained using selected area electron diffraction patterns.