Bio-safe approach for the preparation of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoflowers at very low temperature

Abstract

Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an exceptionally important material with use in catalysis, superconducting products and has shown great promise as a destructive adsorbent for toxic chemical agents. In this paper, a new and convenient method has been demonstrated for large-scale synthesis of MgO nanoflowers at 200°C. The method is based on a very simple reaction of magnesium powder and water without using any capping agent or additives. The formation of nanostructures by the reaction of metals with water is suggested to occur due to decomposition of water by the metal giving hydrogen. Compared with other methods, the present method is bio-safe, economical, low temperature and free of pollution. This paper is an alternative route for the synthesis of an important material which is bio-safe and biocompatible and can be used as bactericide.