Question

For the formation of ZnFe2O4 spinel which method can be used in order to achieve high degree of homogenization?

(a) Distillation method

(b) Vaporization method

(c) Coprecipitation method

(d) Crystallization method

The question was posed to me during an interview.

Question is taken from Solid State Reaction topic in section Preparative Methods of Solid State Chemistry

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Coprecipitation method

To elaborate: In normal solid state reaction, the reactants are mixed together manually or mechanically and the subsequent reaction rate depends largely on the degree of homogenization achieved on mixing and the intimacy of contact between the grains. With the Coprecipitation method it is possible a high degree of homogenization together with small particle size and thereby speed up the reaction rate.