Synthesis and characterisation of copper chromite nanoparticles using coprecipitation method

Pure spinel nanoparticles of copper chromite (CuCr₂O₄) were synthesised by coprecipitation method. The nanostructures and morphology of CuCr₂O₄ were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic laser light scattering analyses. The X-ray analysis showed the formation of pure CuCr₂O₄ nanoparticles with good crystallinity. SEM and TEM images showed that particles were synthesised with nearly spherical crystalline shape. These results showed that this procedure is capable of producing pure CuCr₂O₄ with average particles size of 13.1 nm. Also, the experiments were optimised by the L₈ Taguchi experimental design. The effects of seven main factors on the crystal size were evaluated. The most important factors on the crystal size reduction of CuCr₂O₄ nanoparticles were found to be type of precipitating agent, type of capping agent and calcinations temperature, respectively.