SYNTHESIS AND COMPREHENSIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF METAL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Mg–Zn mixed metal oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesised via a green route using corn husk biomass asa reducing and stabilising agent, followed by calcination to achieve crystalline oxide formation. The structural, morphological, compositional, and surface chemical properties of the synthesised material were systematicallyinvestigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-rayphotoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a crystalline oxide phase withnanometer-scale crystallite dimensions, indicating effective oxide formation without detectable secondary phases. FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic metal–oxygen stretching vibrations below 600 cm-1confirmingtheestablishment of a stable oxide lattice. SEM analysis revealed agglomerated particles composed of nanosizedprimary crystallites with irregular morphology. EDS and elemental mapping confirmed the dominance of oxygenand metal species with homogeneous spatial distribution across the sample. DLS measurements indicated larger hydrodynamic particle sizes due to aggregation in aqueous suspension. XPS analysis verified the oxidised chemical state of surface metal species and lattice oxygen, confirming surface chemical stability. The combined resultsdemonstrate the successful synthesis of a nanostructured metal oxide system with good crystallinity, compositional uniformity, and stable surface chemistry, making it suitable for further exploration in surface-dependent applications