Different methods of synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles

Introduction 

After researching ZnO nanoparticles, we have come to know that these nanoparticles are made up of a composition of Zinc Oxide. The composition includes a diameter of less than 10^2 nm. Respective of their size, they have a large surface area, and the process of catalysis seems very high preference for these nanoparticles. There are many different ways by which they can be synthesized, depending on the physical properties, as well as chemical properties. 

Talking about the synthesis, it can be performed in several ways. Some of them are listed below:

1. Hydrothermal method
2. Electrochemical deposition
3. Laser-based ablation
4. Ultrasound
5. Thermal decomposition
6. Electrophoretic deposition, and many more.

Another fun fact about ZnO is that it is a semiconductor. Not just any semiconductor but a wide-bandgap semiconductor. The energy gap of the nanoparticles is at approximately room temperature 3.37eV.

Applications 

ZnO nanoparticles are widely used around the world by many industries. They are also the third most-produced nanomaterial in this world because of its properties, which are highly useful for the industries. The other nanoparticles which come before ZnO are materials such as titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. The applications of ZnO nanoparticles are highly usable in daily life. 

One of the most common uses of ZnO nanoparticles is producing sunscreens. You might be wondering, how? It is very simple; the nanoparticles have a property that helps to reflect UV rays. So, when applied on the skin, it doesn’t allow the UV light to penetrate your skin, by reflecting it to the environment. Another application of the nanoparticles is they are also used as a killer for harmful microorganisms, usually found in packaged staff. 

What are the different ways ZnO nanoparticles are made?

1. Chemical Precipitation

This is the most common and renowned process to make ZnO nanoparticles. It requires two reaction reagents. For example, we take Zinc sulfate and sodium hydroxide (solution of precipitator). Thereafter, the precipitator is added dropwise to the solution. This process is performed until its pH level turns 10. Then, it is stirred firmly until a white intermediate of Zinc Hydroxide is seen. Furthermore, by compressing it at a high temperature, ZnO nanoparticles are acquired.

2. Method of Solid-State Pyrolytic

This is a very simple method. Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and NaHCO3 are mixed under room temperature. Then it is pyrolyzer at a certain temperature. The size of the nanoparticles depends on the temperature under which the experiment is conducted. Further, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O gets converted into ZnO. Meanwhile, CH3COONa is formed from NaHCO3. After that, ZnO nanoparticles can be obtained through thermal decomposition. 

3. Solution-Free Mechanochemical Method

It is nothing but a method that is completed in just two steps. This step includes the grinding of Zn(CH3COO)2 and H2C2O4·2H2O. This process continues for a time unless we get nanoparticles of ZnC2O4·2H2O. The second and final step includes the thermal decomposition of the nanoparticles (ZnC2O4·2H2O) formed in the first method. Those nanoparticles are decomposed at a very high temperature giving us ZnO nanoparticles in the end.

This was a basic guide to understanding the nature of ZnO nanoparticles. Who knew the tiny particles could add so much meaning to our daily life tasks? Also, the methods to acquire them are easy to work with. 

These days, we see many industries working with ZnO nanoparticles. This is the reason it is advised to only order your stock from a trusted and certified manufacturer or supplier with reliable service, technical support, and volume pricing. An organization that uses advanced and engineered materials to produce the particles can be trusted as it will increase the quality of your operations, including the application of the nanoparticles.