NEW METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION OF ZINC OXIDE AS SINGLE-PHASE IN THE NANOMETER RANGE
Abstract
A novel and uncomplicated method for preparing nanocrystalline zinc oxide by precipitation in a basic aqueous solution with the addition of an oxidation agent and in the presence of flowing gas is presented. Firstly, the value of pH of the starting solution containing the zinc salts is adjusted to a value of 5–5.5. Then, zinc oxide is precipitated by adding NH4OH and bubbling flowing air. Finally, the precipitated materials are washed with a basic solution (0.01 M NaOH). The X-ray diffraction patterns show nanocrystalline single-phase ZnO with a grain size of 12–14 nm (Scherrer method). No further thermal treatment of the prepared material is required. The surface of the prepared material can be successfully modified. This new route is reproducible and can be used on industrial level.
