Fabrication and Characterization of CuCr2O4 Nanocomposite by XRD, FESEM, FTIR, and DRS

Nanocomposites of CuCr2O4 were fabricated by the sol-gel method using copper nitrate and chromium nitrate as precursors (molar ratio of 1:2) under thermal decomposition. The copper nitrate and chromium nitrate sol have been prepared by dissolving the precursors in ethylene glycol, diethyl ether, and citric acid at room temperature. The stable sol was raised to 70 degrees C and the solution turned into high-viscous gel. The gel was converted to xerogel at 135 degrees C for 2 h was calcined in air at different temperatures. The effects of calcinations temperature on the properties of nanocomposite were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. XRD data of the samples proved the formation of the CuCr2O4 nanocomposite at 700 degrees C. FESEM showed that the spherical-like particles have a diameter of 33 nm. Optical spectra of the nanocomposite show a band gaps at 2.19 and 4.66 eV related to band gap transitions of CuCr2O4 nanocomposite.