Nanoparticles MgAl2O4 spinel with the cubic crystal structure was successfully prepared through masking-gel calcination process, using aluminum and magnesium nitrates as spinel precursors and sugar as a masking-gel agent. Calcination treatment was performed at 600 degrees C, 700 degrees C, 800 degrees C, 900 degrees C, and 1000 degrees C. X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies were conducted to identify the crystalline phase and the microstructure of the spinel product. The metal nitrate precursors were found to crystallize completely as MgAl2O4 spinel at a low temperature of 700 degrees C having crystallite sizes below 15 nm. The average particle sizes of the spinel powder at that temperature were less than 75 nm. The microstructure analysis of the spinel sample at the calcination temperature of 1000 degrees C shows the particle sizes below 100 nm and high formation of agglomerates.

Keywords: Nanospinel MgAl2O4; Metal nitrate precursors; Sugar; Masking-gel calcination; Low-temperature crystallization