Microwave-assisted synthesis of spherical monodispersed magnesium fluoride

Spherical monodispersed magnesium fluoride has been obtained using the microwave-assisted precipitation technique from magnesium nitrate and ammonium fluoride solutions. Studies aimed at optimizing synthesis conditions from the point of view of preparing spherical MgF2 particles of possibly high monodispersity were performed. Spherical MgF2 particles of 0.25-0.36 mu m in diameter have been obtained with relative standard deviation from the average value ranging from 7 to 15%. It has been established that a certain optimal range of Mg(NO3)(2) and NH4F concentrations exists that enables a highly monodispersed MgF2 to be prepared. The range is narrow (0.01-0.03 mol dm(-3)) for both precursors. Spherical MgF2 particles have been characterized by SEM, XRD, DTG/DTA and FTIR techniques. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.