A new route for the synthesis of Mg2B2O5 nanorods by mechano-chemical and sintering process

Single crystalline Mg₂B₂O₅ nanorods have been synthesized by a two-step process involving the mechano-chemical technique and sintering method. Using MgCl₂·6H₂O and NaBH₄ powders as the starting materials, the mixture was firstly milled for 120 h, and then sintered at 800 °C for 2 h. The X-ray diffraction indicates the final product is monoclinic Mg₂B₂O₅. SEM and TEM results show that the Mg₂B₂O₅ is nanorod with the diameter about 200-400 nm and the length up to 5 μm. SAED analysis shows that the nanorod is single crystalline and twinned structure. The by-product NaCl is necessary for the formation of the single phase Mg₂B₂O₅.