Polyvinylpyrrolidone-assisted growth and optical properties of ZnO hexagonal bilayer disk-like microstructures

ZnO hexagonal bilayer disk-like microstructures are successfully prepared assisted with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and the photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of as-prepared ZnO samples showed a very strong ultraviolet (UV) emission at the UV region.     

Nanoflower-like composites of ZnO/SiO2 synthesized using bamboo leaves ash as reusable photocatalyst

In this study, the synthesis of ZnO/SiO₂ nanocomposites using bamboo leaf ash (BLA) and tested their photocatalytic activity for rhodamine B decolorization have been conducted. The nanocomposites were prepared by the sol–gel reaction of zinc acetate dihydrate, which was used as a zinc oxide precursor, with silica gel obtained from the caustic extraction of BLA. The effect of the Zn content (5, 10, and 20 wt%) on the physicochemical characteristics and photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, gas sorption, and transmission electron microscopy characterization confirmed the mesoporous structure of the composites containing nanoflower-like ZnO (wurtzite) nanoparticles of 10–30 nm in size dispersed on the silica support. Further, the nanocomposites were confirmed to be composed of ZnO/SiO₂ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Meanwhile, diffuse-reflectance UV–visible spectrophotometry analysis of the nanocomposites revealed band gap energies of 3.38–3.39 eV. Of the tested nanocomposites, that containing 10 wt% Zn exhibited the highest decolorization efficiency (99%) and fastest decolorization rate. In addition, the degradation efficiencies were not reduced significantly after five repeated runs, demonstrating the reusability of the nanocomposite catalysts. Therefore, the ZnO/SiO₂ nanocomposite obtained from BLA is a promising reusable photocatalyst for the degradation of dye-polluted water.     

Zn-nicotinate complex – a precursor for ZnO nanoparticles

A zinc-nicotinate complex has been prepared by direct reaction of zinc acetate and nicotinic acid in the presence of template tetramethylethylenediamine and is characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, and TGA/DTA. The Zn complex was a precursor for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. A correlation of the thermal and spectral properties of the precursor complex with its structure has been discussed. Thermolysis under air was studied by thermogravimetry, and the resulting ZnO product was characterized by XRD and TEM, showing compact particles with a diameter of about 17–50?nm.     

Physical properties of suspension ZnO nanoparticles prepared by wet chemical method: Comparison study

In this work a suspension of Nano-crystalline of ZnO particle is prepared by wet chemical at different temperature and concentration. From FTIR spectral exhibit present of Zn–O bond which indicate to formation ZnO particles. While all suspension and nano films exhibit a high transmittance in visible region about 90% which falls sharply in the UV region. The particle size is measured by using effective mass approximation (EMA), which was approximation (1.7–1.96 nm), and the band gap changes from 3.95 to 4.52eV for nanoparticles in suspension, and change from 3.76 to 3.94 eV for nanoparticles in ZnO film, which is change as function of concentration, temperature and aging time. Hall Effect measurements for ZnO films exhibit n-type conductivity for films deposited with activation energy 0.742eV at high temperature and 0.178eV at low temperature which is different as prepared sample conditions. Also the nanoparticle suspension and nanoparticle film could be implemented as a filter with variable cut off (8.9 × 10¹⁴–1.28 × 10¹⁵) H_Z.     

ZnO/Ag复合纳米粒子的制备与表征

以乙酸锌为前驱物,乙醇为溶剂,油酸钠为表面修饰剂,采用溶液化学法,在乙醇体系中制得纳米Zn O。然后缓慢加入一定量的硝酸银乙醇溶液,在乙醇的还原作用下将Ag+还原为Ag纳米粒子,制得Zn O/Ag复合纳米粒子。通过紫外-可见吸收光谱(UV-Vis)、荧光光谱(FL)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)和X射线衍射(XRD)等方法对所制备的氧化锌-银复合纳米粒子样品进行表征。结果表明,所合成的Zn O/Ag复合纳米粒子为球形,尺寸为20-30nm且粒径分布较窄。Ag纳米粒子附着于Zn O纳米粒子表面,并起到良好的表面修饰作用。对制备Zn O/Ag复合纳米粒子的机理进行了初步探究。     

Infrared absorptive properties of Al-doped ZnO divided powder

Al-doped ZnO powders were synthesised by a Pechini process in order to obtain visible non-absorbent and near-Infrared absorbent particles. Firstly, it has been shown that synthesis under argon combined with the lowest synthesis temperatures (700 °C) allows getting the optimal properties for pure ZnO compounds due to creation of n-type defects segregated on oxide grain surface (Zn/O ratio superior to 1). Nevertheless, the near-Infrared absorption properties of the pure ZnO compounds remain low. The Al³⁺ doping of ZnO compounds was then investigated. The Al solubility limit inside ZnO doped compounds decreases drastically with the grain size, i.e. with the synthesis temperature. Then, the Al cations distribution varies inside ZnO grains, Al³⁺ segregation at the grain surfaces taking place for high synthesis temperatures. The optimal optical properties (high near-Infrared absorption) are reached combining Al-doping and adequate synthesis conditions: annealing under argon at low temperatures. In these conditions, the highest extrinsic (via Al doping) and intrinsic n-types defects rates are indeed reached.     

Y掺杂的ZnO纳米纤维材料的制备及其气敏传感器作用机理

采用静电纺丝法成功制备了Y掺杂的ZnO纳米纤维.并通过X射线衍射(XRD),扫描电子显微镜(SEM),能量色散X射线(EDX),透射电子显微镜(TEM)以及热重差热分析(TG-DTA)等手段对样品的结构和形貌进行了表征分析.同时用纯的ZnO和Y掺杂的ZnO纳米纤维制备了传感器,对浓度为(1-200)×10^-6 (体积分数)丙酮的气敏特性进行了测试分析.测试结果表明,可以通过简单控制纳米纤维中Y的含量,来微调该传感器的气敏特性.同时也发现通过Y掺杂, ZnO纳米纤维对丙酮的气敏特性有所改善,表现出很高的响应.纯ZnO和Y掺杂ZnO制成的传感器对几种潜在干扰气体表现出良好的选择性,比如氨气、苯、甲醛、甲苯以及甲醇.本文最后也讨论了该传感器的气敏作用机理.     

Sensitive and selective detection of glutathione based on anti-catalytical growth of gold nanoparticles colorimetric sensor

Gold nanoparticles (AuNps) are often employed in different detection paths based on the catalytic growth mechanism; AuNps could act as catalyst for the reduction of AuCl₄^? and result in the enlargement of the original AuNps. However, there are few probes based on the anti-catalytical growth of AuNps in previous studies. In this article, we proposed a simple colorimetric sensor for the detection of glutathione (GSH) based on the anti-catalytical growth of AuNps, the strong affinity of GSH make it readily combine with AuNps or metal ions (AuCl₄^?), and thus inhibit the catalytical growth of AuNps through the specific property of GSH. Therefore, the UV absorbance of detection system could be used to estimate the concentration of GSH, and the probe exhibits highly sensitive and selective detection of the concentration of GSH with a wide linear from 13 to 800 nM within 20 min. Meanwhile, a good linear relationship with correlation coefficient of R² = 0.9795 was obtained. It is believed that this research could broaden the choices of GSH detection methods.     

An ethanol sensor based on cataluminescence on ZnO nanoparticles

A novel gas sensor for the determination of ethanol was proposed in the present work, which was based on the generated cataluminescence emission from catalytic oxidation of ethanol on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The cataluminescence characteristics and the effect of different parameters on the signal intensity, such as morphology of synthesized ZnO, temperature and flow rate, were discussed in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration curve of cataluminescence intensity versus ethanol vapor concentration was linear in the range 1.0-100 ppm, and with a detection limit of 0.7 ppm (S/N = 3). Compared with the traditional electrical conductivity-based ZnO gas sensor for the determination of ethanol, the proposed ethanol sensor showed the advantages of high sensitivity, high selectivity and low working temperature.     

Preparation and application of polystyrene‐grafted ZnO nanoparticles

The precursor of ZnO was prepared by precipitation and ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by calcination afterwards. Poly(styrene) (PSt) was grafted onto the ZnO nanoparticles in a non‐aqueous suspension to reduce the aggregation among nanoparticles and to improve the compatibility between nanoparticles and the organic matter. The obtained samples were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), zeta potential measurement, lipophilic degree (LD) test, photocatalytic experiments, sedimentation test, and contact angle measurement. The LD of composite particles after a high‐temperature treatment was stable. The photoluminescence of PSt‐grafted ZnO nanoparticles was observed by naked eyes and was recorded using a digital camera. The ZnO nanoparticles were used to reinforce poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films and the mechanical and electric properties of the films were also measured. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

高能Zn离子注入CaF2基质形成ZnO纳米粒子的机制、构型及电子结构

将高能Zn2+注入到CaF2介电基质中,在CaF2的表面下注入Zn2+浓度呈近似高斯分布,通过氧气氛后经热退火形成ZnO量子点.采用MaterialsStudio和Gaussian98W程序,结合实验结果计算分析了CaF2基质中ZnO纳米粒子的电子结构和光学性质.选取由4个ZnO原胞组成的超晶胞模型计算了ZnO纳米粒子的吸收光谱,理论结果与实验结果相符.对ZnO纳米粒子电子结构的研究结果表明,ZnO纳米粒子与CaF2基质的相互作用主要是ZnO表面的O与基质中Ca之间的作用,这种作用使ZnO纳米晶体的Fermi能级变窄,带隙相应减小;ZnO纳米粒子表面构型的变化对其本征吸收光谱没有影响,理论计算结果与实验值一致.     

ZnO nanoparticles as chain elasticity reducer and structural elasticity enhancer: Correlating the degradating role and localization of ZnO with the morphological and mechanical properties of PLA/PP/ZnO nanocomposite

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PLA/PP blend. In this regard, nanocomposites containing 1, 3, and 5 wt% of ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by melt mixing. In addition, three different mixing procedures were adopted to study their effects on the microstructure of nanocomposites. The rheological behaviors demonstrated a higher elasticity and less compatibility for two phases in the case of nanocomposites containing nanoparticles in harmony with the morphological observations. Accordingly, it was correlated to the elasticity originating from the interphase, anticipated coalescence of dispersed particles as a result of degradation of PLA chains triggered by ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) and also agglomeration of ZnO‐NPs depending on the content of nanoparticles and chosen mixing procedure. It was also found that mixing method puts a remarkable influence on the microstructure and rheological behavior of nanocomposites. Results of mechanical characterizations and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) also confirmed the degradation induced by ZnO nanoparticles.     

Highly selective silver nanoparticles based label free colorimetric sensor for nitrite anions

Highly selective label free colorimetric sensor based on AgNPs stabilized by phenolic chelating ligand, N,N′-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminobenzene (1), for NO₂⁻ anions has been developed. Addition of NO₂⁻ showed selective decolourisation of brownish yellow colour of 1-AgNPs with the detection limit of 10⁻⁷ M. Absorption studies showed the complete disappearance of 1-AgNPs peak at 426 nm due to the conversion of AgNPs to silver ions. The presence silver ions were confirmed by white precipitates of AgCl formation with NaCl. The interference studies confirmed the high selectivity of NO₂⁻ sensing in presence of anions as well as cations by 1-AgNPs. A linear relationship was observed between the change of absorption and concentration of NO₂⁻. The present approach could be performed at room temperature and ambient conditions. The practical applications of 1-AgNPs for selective sensing of NO₂⁻ in different water samples such as ground, river, pond and tap water have also been demonstrated.     

Electrode modified with a composite film of ZnO nanorods and Ag nanoparticles as a sensor for hydrogen peroxide

A conducting fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode, first modified with zinc oxide nanorods (ZnONRs) and subsequently attached with photosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), designated as AgNPs/ZnONRs/FTO electrode, was used as an amperometric sensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide. The first layer (ZnONRs) was obtained by chemical bath deposition (CBD), and was utilized simultaneously as the catalyst for the photoreduction of Ag ions under UV irradiation and as the matrix for the immobilization of AgNPs. The aspect ratio of ZnONRs to be deposited was optimized by controlling the number of their CBDs to render enough surface area for Ag deposition, and the amount of AgNPs to be attached was controlled by adjusting the UV-irradiation time. The immobilized AgNPs showed excellent electrocatalytic response to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The resultant amperometric sensor showed 10-fold enhanced sensitivity for the detection of H₂O₂, compared to that without AgNPs, i.e., only with a layer of ZnONRs. Amperometric determination of H₂O₂ at −0.55 V gave a limit of detection of 0.9 μM (S/N = 3) and a sensitivity of 152.1 mA M⁻¹ cm⁻² up to 0.983 mM, with a response time (steady-state, t₉₅) of 30-40 s. The selectivity of the sensor was investigated against ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were utilized to characterize the modified electrode. Sensing properties of the modified electrode were studied both by CV and amperometric analysis.     

梨形核壳结构氧化锌/银亚微米球的制备、表征及光学性能

利用亚锡离子还原银离子生成的金属银沉积在合成的梨形氧化锌表面作为晶种,进一步生长银纳米粒子,制备了梨形的、核壳结构的、单分散的氧化锌/银亚微米球。利用X射线衍射、透射电镜、能量色散X射线谱、紫外可见吸收谱及光致发光谱对所制备样品的形貌、微观结构、组成和光学性能进行了表征。结果表明:(1)样品是由梨形亚微米氧化锌核和银纳米颗粒壳组成;(2)在氧化锌表面的银纳米粒子作为光激发产生的电子捕获剂提高了光产生的载流子的分离效率,在能量没有改变的情况下减少了紫外发射光的强度,淬灭了可见发射光。     

Enhanced Visible Light Irradiation Photocatalytic Performance of MgFe2O4 After Growing with ZnO Nanoshell and Silver Nanoparticles

MgFe₂O₄ implanted with ZnO and silver nanoparticles has been successfully synthesized. The formation mechanism of the core~shell structured Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles was investigated. The efficacy of degradation of an organic dye was compared under the visible light irradiation with the individual components (MgFe₂O₄ , ZnO , and Ag). The structure of Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles was established from detailed structural analyses using a vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD ), selected area electron diffraction (SAED ), scanning electron microscopy (SEM ), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS ), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM ). Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles showed a saturation magnetization (M _s) of 44 emu/g. It is seen from the results that ZnO is coated on the surface of MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, and Ag nanoparticles are attached to the edge of the ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. In addition, the nanoparticles were found to be spherical with appropriate structures. The electron transfer mechanism greatly enhances the rhodamine B (RhB ) degradation rate, which is illustrated and discussed in detail. The obtained Ag/ZnO /MgFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were photostable and magnetically recyclable with potential application in the degradation of organic pollutants.     

Rational synthetic strategy: From ZnO nanorods to ZnS nanotubes

We demonstrate here that ZnS nanotubes can be successfully synthesized via a facile conversion process from ZnO nanorods precursors. During the conversion process, ZnO nanorods are first prepared as sacrificial templates and then converted into tubular ZnO/ZnS core/shell naonocomposites through a hydrothermal sulfidation treatment by using thioacetamide (TAA) as sulfur source. ZnS nanotubes are finally obtained through the removal of ZnO cores of tubular ZnO/ZnS core/shell naonocomposites by KOH treatment. The photoluminescence (PL) characterization of the as-prepared products shows much enhanced PL emission of tubular ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanocomposites compared with their component counterparts. The probable mechanism of conversion process is also proposed based on the experimental results.     

量子尺寸ZnO的溶胶法制备及光学性质研究现状

量子尺寸氧化锌是重要的氧化物半导体材料之一，文中简单介绍了它的溶胶法制备及粒子生长和聚集过程，着重阐述了其光学性质研究现状和光致发光机理，并展望了未来的发展方向。     

Role of quantum-sized effects on the cathodic photocorrosion of ZnO nanoparticles in ethanol

Cathodic photocorrosion occurs upon stationary photoirradiation of ethanolic ZnO sols. The photocorrosion rate increases with decreasing particle size. This effect due to the appearance of quantum-sized effects in ZnO nanocrystals results from an increase in the reduction potential of the semiconductor upon irradiation, which may exceed the Fermi level for cathodic decomposition of zinc oxide nanoparticles.Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Éksperimentalnaya Khimiya, Vol.40, No.6, pp. 363–367, November–December, 2004.     

The surface modification of spherical ZnO with Ag nanoparticles: A novel agent,biogenic synthesis,catalytic and antibacterial activities

Nowadays, the industrial wastewater pollutants including toxic dyes and pathogenic microbes have caused serious environmental contaminations and human health problems. In the present study, eco-friendly and facile green synthesis of Ag modified ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-Ag NPs) using Crataegus monogyna (C. monogyna) extract (ZnO-Ag@CME NPs) is reported. The morphology and structure of the as-biosynthesized product were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), differential reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. TEM and FESEM images confirmed the oval and spherical-like structure of the products with a size of 55–70 nm. The EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Zn, Ag, and O elements in the biosynthesized product. The photocatalytic results showed ZnO-Ag@CME NPs were degraded (89.8% and 75.3%) and (94.2% and 84.7%) of methyl orange (MO) and basic violet 10 (BV10), under UV and sunlight irradiations, respectively. The Ag modified ZnO nanoparticles exhibited enhanced catalytic activity towards organic pollutants, and showed better performance than the pure ZnO nanoparticles under UV and sunlight irradiations. This performance was probably due to the presence of silver nanoparticles as a plasmonic material. Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacteria. ZnO-Ag@CME NPs showed high antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, P. vulgaris, S. mitis, and S. faecalis with MIC values of 50, 12.5, 12.5, 12.5, and 12.45 µg/mL, respectively. All in all, the present investigation suggests a promising method to achieve high-efficiency antibacterial and catalytic performance.