Grinding-Assisted Solid-State Metathetic Synthesis of Divalent Transition Metal Tungstates

A convenient solid state metathetic synthesis has been developed for the preparation of metal tungstates MWO4 where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn using Na2WO4 and respective MCl2 as reactants. Stoichiometric quantities of respective reactants were mixed and ground for 2hrs. XRD patterns of the homogenised mixture heat treated at 400ºC for 4hrs and then washed free from NaCl bye product were in good agreement with the respective JCPDS data showing the formation of phase pure compounds in each case without any contamination. Microstructural investigation indicated particle size of the order of µm.