10.1016/j.jpcs.2007.01.051
The research presents a novel and cost-effective method for synthesizing nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles using sucrose as a chelating agent. The process involves dissolving sucrose and metal nitrates in an aqueous solution, forming a gel upon evaporation, and then heating the gel at various temperatures (300, 600, and 750°C). The study utilized X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The results showed that NiO and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles with high crystallinity and mean sizes ranging from 11 to 36 nm were successfully produced. The particle size of NiO increased with higher synthesis temperatures, while the size of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles remained consistent across different temperatures due to the influence of the heating rate. This method offers a simple, low-cost alternative for producing nanoscale oxide powders with potential technological applications.