Ultrasound assisted ambient temperature synthesis of ternary oxide AgMO{sub 2} (M=Fe, Ga)

The application of ultrasound for the synthesis of ternary oxide AgMO{sub 2} (M=Fe, Ga) was investigated. Crystalline alpha-AgFeO{sub 2} was obtained from the alkaline solutions of silver and iron hydroxides by sonication for 40 minutes. alpha-AgFeO{sub 2} was found to absorb optical radiation in the 300-600 nm range as shown by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum of alpha-AgFeO{sub 2} exhibited two bands at 345 and 638 cm{sup -1}. When beta-NaFeO{sub 2} was sonicated with aqueous silver nitrate solution for 60 minutes, beta-AgFeO{sub 2} possessing orthorhombic structure was obtained as the ion-exchanged product. The Raman spectrum of beta-AgFeO{sub 2} showed four strong bands at 295, 432, 630 and 690 cm{sup -1}. Sonication of beta-NaGaO{sub 2} with aqueous silver nitrate solution for 60 minutes resulted in olive green colored, alpha-AgGaO{sub 2}. The diffuse reflectance spectrum and the EDX analysis confirmed that the ion-exchange through sonication was complete. The Raman spectrum of alpha-AgGaO{sub 2} had weak bands at 471 and 650 cm{sup -1}. - Graphical abstract: The application of ultrasound in the formation of alpha and beta-forms of AgMO{sub 2} (M=Fe, Ga) has been demonstrated.