ABSTRACT:

ZnO nanoparticles have unique properties that make them attractive for various
applications, including electronics, sensors, catalysis, and solar cells. The sol-gel method
provides a versatile and controllable approach for their synthesis. This project investigated
the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via the sol-gel method, focusing on parameters
influencing particle size, morphology, and crystallinity.

KEY POINTS TO EXPLORE:

Precursor selection and concentration: Different zinc salts like zinc acetate, nitrate, or
chloride were employed as precursors, and their impact on particle formation was
evaluated.
Hydrolysis and condensation conditions: Variations in pH, temperature, and stirring time
were studied to optimize the hydrolytic and condensation reactions, crucial for controlling
particle size and morphology.
Characterization techniques: The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using X-
ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) to assess their crystallinity, size distribution, and morphology.

OUTCOMES:
Well-defined ZnO nanoparticles with tuneable morphologies (spherical, hexagonal, etc.) and
controlled size distributions were obtained.
The influence of various parameters on particle characteristics was systematically analysed,
providing valuable insights for optimizing the sol-gel synthesis process.
Potential applications of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were discussed, considering
their unique properties and controlled features.
Overall, this study demonstrates the sol-gel method as a reliable and versatile technique for
producing ZnO nanoparticles with desired characteristics, paving the way for their successful
implementation in various technological and scientific fields.
INTRODUCTION (ABOUT ZNO NANOPARTICLES): -
ZnO nanoparticles have emerged as valuable materials in various industrial applications due
to their unique properties, including high heat resistance, low electrical conductivity, and
antibacterial and anti-corrosion characteristics. Sol-gel synthesis has proven to be an
effective method for producing ZnO nanoparticles with tailored properties. Studies by
Hasnidawani et al. (2015), Jurablu et al. (2015), and Alwan et al. (2015) have demonstrated
the successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via the sol-gel route, achieving particle sizes
ranging from 28nm to 100-200nm. Sol-gel synthesis offers simplicity and versatility, making it
a preferred method for nanomaterial fabrication. The market demand for the ZnO nano
powders is increasing and widely used in industries due to their ultraviolet filtering, catalytic,
anti-corrosion and anti-bacterial properties. Recently, they have mainly been used in
sunscreens as an ultraviolet-resistant additive. Other applications of zinc oxide nano powder
include electrophotography, photo printing, capacitors, protective coatings, anti-microbial,
and conductive thin-films in LCDs, solar cells, and blue laser diodes4.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION: -
1/ The sol-gel technique is used to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles in this experiment.
2/ Zinc acetate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide, methanol, and distilled water are the materials
used in this experiment.
3/ Zinc acetate dihydrate serves as a precursor, while methanol acts as a reagent.
4/ Distilled water is employed as a solvent.
5/ Zinc acetate dihydrate is utilized as a zinc precursor.
6/ 0.2M zinc acetate dihydrate is dissolved in methanol at room temperature.
7/ The solution is then subjected to ultrasonic treatment at 25°C for 120 minutes, resulting
in a clear and transparent sol devoid of precipitate and turbidity.
8/ 0.02M NaOH is added to the sol, followed by ultrasonic stirring for 60 minutes.
9/ The sol is left undisturbed until white precipitates settle at the bottom.
10/ After precipitation, the precipitates are filtered and rinsed excessively with methanol to
remove any remaining starting material.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION:
The synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide in an
ethanol solution involves a series of chemical reactions. The hydrolysis of zinc acetate
produces zinc ions and acetate ions. The hydroxyl groups (-OH) of ethanol molecules then
react with the zinc ions to form zinc oxide nanoparticles. The final product is a result of the
equilibrium between hydrolysis and condensation reactions.
The overall chemical reaction to form ZnO nano-powder when sodium hydroxide was used
as solvent stated as follow in Eq. (1):
(Zn (CH3COO)2.2H2O) + 2NaOH ZnO + 2NaCH3COO + H2O (1)
Zinc hydroxide acetate is an intermediate product of the hydrolysis reaction, formed in the
presence of H2O and OH- ions. It can be easily transformed into ZnO at higher temperature
and with prolonged refluxing. Sodium acetate is water soluble and could therefore be
removed from the end product. High purity ZnO nano-powder could therefore be obtained
successfully by sol gel technique.

MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY:
(I) SEM ANALYSIS:
Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) is a type of scanning electron
microscope (SEM) that uses a field emission gun to generate a beam of electrons. This
results in a much narrower and more focused beam than is possible with a conventional
SEM, which leads to higher resolution images. The morphology of the prepared pure ZnO was
obtained using SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Using the SEM image, we can observe the
surface of the sample. Fig. 2 gives us the SEM image of the prepared pure zinc oxide nanoparticle at
a magnification of 100,000. From the SEM image, we can see that the nanoparticles are in the form
of flocks. Also, as a result of this, the nanoparticles have different shapes.

(II) XRD (X-RAY DIFFRACTOMETER) ANALYSIS: -

An X-ray diffractometer (XRD) is a scientific instrument used to analyze the crystalline
structure of materials. XRD works by directing a beam of X-rays at a sample and measuring
the angles and intensities of the X-rays that are diffracted by the sample. The diffraction
pattern is a unique fingerprint of the material and can be used to determine its crystal
structure, lattice parameters, and other properties.
The pure ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using the sol-gel method. The powdered sample thus
obtained were characterized using X-ray diffraction method to analyse the crystallinity of the sample.
The Debye- Scherrer equation is used for determining the crystalline size: “D = K.λ / β.cosθ”
 shows the XRD pattern of the pure ZnO nanoparticles prepared during this research
work. The average crystalline size of the zinc oxide nanoparticle was found to be 36nm using
the Scherrer equation with the width of the peaks at (100) and (101).

(III)UV-VISIBLE ANALYSIS: -
UV-Visible UV-Visible gives the bandgap of nanoparticles. Figure 3 shows the UV-Visible
spectrum. Spectrum result shows the maximum peaks at 235nm. Therefore, the ban gap wavelength
of ZnO is 235nm. The actual band gap wavelength of ZnO nanoparticle is 388nm which is higher than
235nm which may be due to agglomeration and settling of nanoparticles in a cuvette which cause
decreasing the absorption of radiation.
 CONCLUSION: -
ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using the simple sol-gel method. The prepared zinc oxide
nanoparticles were characterised using XRD and SEM. From XRD it was found that the crystalline size
of the prepared pure zinc oxide nanoparticles is 36nm. From the SEM image it was found that the
particles were present in the form of flocks. ZnO nanoparticles can be used in various fields due to its
unique properties like low toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. It has a vast range of future
applications. It can be even applied in the field of electronics, cosmetics and biomedical devices. Zinc
oxide nanoparticles can be used in medical fields to even treat cancer through drug delivery or gene
delivery methods. It has also shown its potential in treatments of antibacterial and antidiabetic
fields. ZnO is now also being used for bioimaging because of its luminescent properties. There are
many new fields in which ZnO nanoparticles are being used like the textile industry as adding this
material to fabrics has been found to increase the resistance against absorption of UV and visible
light, bacteria, and deodorant. This method of synthesis can be used for the large-scale production of
ZnO nanoparticles at room temperature.

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