Synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional MgO nanostructures

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanowire arrays, nanoribbons, two- and three-dimensional network like nanostructures were prepared by the simple thermal evaporation of Mg powder with and without using catalyst at a relatively low temperature. The non-catalytic approaches favor the formation of network like nanoforms whereas the catalytic approaches favors the formation of one-dimensional nanowire arrays and quasi one-dimensional nanoribbons depending on the temperature and vapor concentrations of the growth site. The diameter and length of the MgO network like columns varied within 40-50 nm and approximately 200 nm respectively. The MgO nanowires produced by the catalytic approach had diameter within 20-30 nm and length approximately 2 microm. Whereas the widths of the nanoribbons varied within 50-100 nm and their length were of the order of a few hundred micrometers. The nanoforms were single crystalline and cubic in phase. The products were characterized by the X-ray diffraction study, energy dispersive analysis of X-ray study, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence measurements to explore the structural, compositional, morphological, and physical properties of the MgO nanoforms.