Synthesis and Structural Characterization of ZnCr2O4 Nano Particles Prepared by Citrate-gel Auto Combustion Method

Zinc chromite nano particles (NPs) have been synthesized via Citrate-gel auto combustion method using citric acid as chelating agent. Structural characterization of the prepared sample was carried out using X-ray diffraction analysis, FESEM and EDS analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and FTIR spectroscopic analysis. XRD analysis confirms the formation spinel oxide with a crystallite size of 36 nm as calculated using Debye-scherrer’s formula. FTIR studies also confirm the formation of spinel structure. Structural morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy that indicates the presence of globule shaped particles. EDS images show the presence of only Zn, Cr and O without any other impurity elements. This fact confirms the purity of the prepared nano particles. Average particles size of the prepared sample was 20 nm as measured by DLS technique.