Evolution of Spinel Magnesium Aluminate by Combustion Route Using Glycine as Fuel and Its Characterization

Magnesium aluminate spinel was synthesized by solution combustion route in place of industrial practised solid-state process. To maintain the proper stoichiometric ratio, nitrate salt precursors were used in 2:1 molar ratio while glycine was used as a fuel and reducing agent for preparation. After annealing the prepared solution at 700 °C for 5 hours with variation in glycine as 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 molar ratio phases were developed. XRD analysis confirmed the phases developed after proper annealing in an oxidizing atmosphere. FTIR analysis yields the M-O coordinations and the bonding information of the synthesized compound. SEM analysis exhibits irregular polygon particulates having agglomerated chunk morphology with negligible porosity while EDX analysis confirmed the elements required for phase formation.