溶胶凝胶法制备CNT／ZnO纳米复合材料及其光催化性研究

Chemistry and Chemical Engineer School, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China     

Characteristics of ZnO Particles Prepared by Au-catalyzed Phase Transport Technique

ZnO particles were prepared by Au-catalyzed vapor phase transport method on silicon substrate. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images show many ZnO particles were formed on the sample surface. They grew up layer by layer along the c-axis, which was confirmed by the results of X-ray diffraction(XRD). The morphology of ZnO particles is close to hemisphere and its formation process could be seen from the SEM image. The room temperature photoluminescence(PL) measurement revealed a narrow UV emission peak at 3.27 eV and a broad green emission peak at 2.45 eV, which was caused by the near-band-edge and deep-level emissions.     

Jute stick extract assisted hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanoflakes and their enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial efficacy

In this paper, we used green and hydrothermal methodology to prepare zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflakes (NFs) with jute stick extract (J–ZnO NFs) as growth substrate. The prepared materials were characterized using different analytical techniques including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characteristic absorption peak for ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs were observed from the UV–vis spectrum at 373 and 368 nm respectively. The hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs was confirmed by XRD analysis. FESEM and TEM analyses of synthesized J–ZnO NFs confirmed their NFs shape and collectively flower-like structure formation by the assembly of NFs of J–ZnO on cellulose of jute stick extract substrate. The FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups of jute stick extract biomolecules, mainly cellulose, are responsible for the formation of collectivel flower like J–ZnO NFs structure. The XPS analysis revealed the surface and chemical compositions (Zn, C, and O) of J–ZnO NFs. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs samples was carried out by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye solution under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs was obtained 79 % and 89 %, respectively, for 5 h. Notably, the degradation efficiency of the J–ZnO NFs was 98 % after 8 h of irradiation, which is very inspiring. The both NFs exhibited first-order kinetics with MB photodegradation. We also examined the possible antibacterial activity of both samples against Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathogens, which demonstrated a significant result with a 17 mm and 19 mm zone of inhibition by ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs respectively.     

均相沉淀法合成纳米ZnO及其光催化性能研究

以ZnSO_4、尿素为原料,采用均相沉淀法在90 ℃合成出了纳米ZnO,并就反应 温度、反应时间、反应物浓度及物料配比等条件对产物的影响进行了探讨。XRD物 相分析,产物为六方晶系;TEM形貌观察,粒子基本为球形,平均粒径20 nm;并用 IR,TG-DTA等测试手段对其进行了表征。利用紫外-可见分光光度计测试了光吸收 性能,发现纳米氧化锌对200～380 nm波长范围的光有很强吸收性,在可见光范围 内,也有较强的吸收。利用纳米氧化锌作为光催化剂对有机染料溶液进行了降解实 验,发现在日光照射60 min后,对酸性大红4BE的降解率可达100%。     

直接沉积法制备棒状ZnO

在溶液体系中90 ℃下, 以三乙醇胺与醋酸锌为反应试剂, 用直接沉积法合成了微米及纳米尺寸的棒状ZnO粒子, 并对粒子进行了透射电镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、热重(TG)和差热扫描量热分析(DSC)等表征. 通过晶体的成核和生长理论初步解释了棒状ZnO粒子的形成过程.     

Green synthesis,characterization, and biological activities of saffron leaf extract-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles: A sustainable approach to reuse an agricultural waste

To increase the profitability and sustainability of agricultural waste, a facile green approach was established to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using saffron leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Structural characteristics of NPs were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. Characterization results revealed that ZnO NPs is highly crystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and spherical particles with diameter less than 50 nm, as confirmed by XRD and FESEM techniques. UV–Vis absorption spectra depicted an absorption peak at 370 nm, which confirms the formation of ZnO NPs. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups and metal oxygen groups. The biological activities of ZnO NPs were also investigated. The antibacterial effect of ZnO NPs was investigated against selected food pathogens (Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis). The study results prove that the green synthesized ZnO NPs show enhanced antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium when compared with other strains. A dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity was observed for ZnO NPs in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays. The ZnO NPs were evaluated for their photocatalytic activity during the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solutions. The maximum removal of MB achieved was 64% with an initial ZnO NP concentration of 12 mg/mL under UV light. The present study revealed that the agricultural waste (saffron leaf) provides a simple and eco-friendly option to sustainably synthesize ZnO NPs for use as a photocatalyst. In addition, this is the first report on saffron leaf-mediated synthesis of ZnO NPs.     

Preparation of ZnO/GO composite material with highly photocatalytic performance via an improved two-step method

ZnO/graphene oxide(ZnO/GO) composite material,in which ZnO nanoparticles were densely coated on the GO nanosheets,was successfully prepared by an improved two-step method and characterized by IR, XRD,TEM,and UV-vis techniques.The improved photocatalytic property of the ZnO/GO composite material,evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange(MO) under UV irradiation,is ascribed to the intimate contact between ZnO and GO,the enhanced adsorption of MO,the quick electron transfer from excited ZnO particles to GO sheets and the activation of MO molecules viaπ-πinteraction between MO and GO.     

Influence of pH on the synthesis ZnO nanorods and photocatalytic hydrogen production from glycerol solution

Photocatalytic oxidation of glycerol at ambient conditions has been investigated with the use of Zinc oxide photocatalysts. Zinc oxide nanorods were prepared via a simple hydrothermal method using zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide in the solution pH of 7, 8 and 9. The samples prepared in this way were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). The pH of the solution is 7, the sample contains zinc hydroxide nitrate hydrated. When the pH of solution was adjusted to 8 and 9, the samples consisted of pure hexagonal wurtzite ZnO without impurity detection. The influence of solution pH on hydrogen formation was investigated. The wurtzite ZnO nanorods synthesized in a solution with pH 9 are considered promising photocatalysts for hydrogen production under xenon radiation.     

Binary Au/MWCNT and Ternary Au/ZnO/MWCNT Nanocomposites: Synthesis,Characterisation and Catalytic Performance

Gold nanoparticles of 10–24 and 5–8 nm in size were obtained by chemical citrate reduction and UV photoreduction, respectively, on acid‐treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and on ZnO/MWCNT composites. The shape and size of the deposited Au nanoparticles were found to be dependent upon the synthetic method used. Single‐crystalline, hexagonal gold particles were produced in the case of UV photoreduction on ZnO/MWCNT, whereas spherical Au particles were deposited on MWCNT when the chemical citrate reduction method was used. In the UV photoreduction route, n‐doped ZnO serves as the e^? donor, whereas the solvent is the hole trap. All materials were fully characterised by UV/Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and BET surface analysis. The catalytic activity of the composites was studied for the selective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compound 3,7‐dimethyl‐2,6‐octadienal (citral). The Au/ZnO/MWCNT composite favours the formation of unsaturated alcohols (selectivity=50 % at a citral conversion of 20 %) due to the presence of single‐crystalline, hexagonal gold particles, whereas saturated aldehyde formation is favoured in the case of the Au/MWCNT nanocomposite that contains spherical gold particles.     

Construction of a novel ZnO/rGO hybrid composite for efficient degradation of CV,Cr (VI) and 2, 4-D under visible light irradiation

The pristine ZnO and ZnO-Graphene hybrid composites at various graphene ratios were synthesized via facile ultrasonic assisted solution approach. The crystal structure is identified by powder XRD technique and disclosed the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The synthesized ZnO exhibited uniform spherical like morphology with low degree of aggregation. The formation of hybrid composite of graphene and ZnO could improve the light absorption ability and separation of photo generated carriers of ZnO, which is confirmed through photoluminescence and UV–Vis DRS analysis. The photo catalytic degradation of Crystal violet, Cr (VI) and 2, 4 D were evaluated under visible light irradiation. The Zn-Graphene hybrid composite exhibited higher photo catalytic activity towards CV dye, Cr (VI) and 2, 4-D, such as high photo degradation efficiency and good stability than bare ZnO. This could be due to the high surface area and synergic effect between the graphene and ZnO p–n junctions. The mechanism of enhanced photo catalytic activity of Zn-Graphene composite discussed in detail.     

Synthesis and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures in imidazolium-based ionic liquids

Different morphologies of ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized by a simple reflux method, in imidazolium-based ionic liquids and water as a solvent. The effects of ionic liquid as a template with different concentrations and the amount of sodium hydroxide on the morphology and size of nanostructures were investigated. The structural and optical properties of these ZnO particles were studied by using XRD, SEM and UV–Visible. The characteristic results revealed that using different ionic liquids in water not only prevent a drastic increase in the crystallite size of the zinc oxide species but also provide suitable conditions for the oriented growth of primary nanoparticles with nano sheet and nano hallow block. The results show that the longer alkyl chain at position-1 of imidazole ring or using dicationic ionic liquid with a definite concentration cause the more width of nano sheet. A possible mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of ZnO nanostructures with different morphology.     

Synthesis of ZnO/NiO nanocomposites from ethanol solutions

We propose a process for the synthesis of ZnO/NiO nanocomposites from ethanolic solutions by means of consecutive generation of ZnO and NiO nanoparticles. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that in the range 400–900°C, nanocomposites are two-phase mixtures of particles of hexagonal and cubic phases with ZnO dissolved in NiO; at 1000°C, Ni_0.5Zn_0.5O single-phase solid solution is generated. The mean particle size determined from TEM data and diffraction peak broadening increases with rising temperature. In the cathodoluminescence spectrum of a sample annealed at 400°C, the luminescence peak shifts to the UV. Specific magnetization versus magnetic field measurements in nanocomposites show hysteresis; the coercive force reaches 200 Oe.     

Facile fabrication of ZnO/N‐doped helical carbon nanotubes composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward organic pollutant degradation

Novel ZnO/N‐doped helical carbon nanotubes (ZnO/N‐HCNTs) composites were successfully synthesized via a facile chemical precipitation approach at room temperature. The sample was well characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. It is found that ZnO nanoparticles were highly and uniformly anchored on the surface and inner tubes of the N‐HCNTs with size of about 5 nm, and significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO/N‐HCNTs composites can be ascribed to the integrative synergistic effect of effective interfacial hybridization between N‐HCNTs and ZnO nanoparticles and the prolonged lifetime of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Moreover, the ZnO/N‐HCNTs could be easily recycled without any obvious decrease in photocatalytic activity and could be promote their application in the area of environmental remediation.     

Synthesis of morphological ZnO particles by a facile solution-based chemical method

In this study, a facile solution-based chemical method has been developed to produce ZnO particles in the presence of triethanolamine (TEA) and NaOH. In this novel method, TEA acted as complexing reagents, and NaOH contributed to the transformation of ZnO precursor (Zn–TEA complex) into ZnO particles. The core of this new strategy is to transform Zn–TEA complex into morphological ZnO particles directly by a facile solution method. The results from transmission electron microscope (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis revealed that the morphologies of the as-prepared ZnO samples evolved from slices to quasi-spheres by increasing the amount of TEA. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) tests showed that these ZnO samples had wurtzite structures. A reasonable mechanism for the transformation of Zn–TEA complex into morphological ZnO particles was supplied.     

Influence on electrochemical impedance and photovoltaic performance of natural DSSC using Terminalia catappa based on Mg-doped ZnO photoanode

In this paper, we report the successful fabrication of a novel dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) using Mg doped ZnO as photoanode and natural dye Terminalia catappa as sensitizer. We synthesized Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles at different Mg concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) by employing a simple solvothermal route. The structural, morphology, composition and optical investigations of synthesized Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles are carried out using XRD, FE-SEM, EDAX, TEM, SAED, FTIR and UV–visible measurements. The XRD results confirmed the formation of hexagonal-wurtzite structure for the Mg doped ZnO nanoparticles and increase of crystalline size with increasing dopant concentration up to 6% is observed. FESEM analysis indicated a gradual change in the surface morphology with increasing Mg concentration and the size of the nanoparticles are slightly reduced at higher Mg concentration. The HRTEM images and SAED pattern also confirmed the formation of wurtzite hexagonal phase of ZnO. The band gap energies calculated from the UV–visible spectra using Tauc's plots indicated decrease of band gap energy with dopant concentration. The DSSCs fabricated using Mg doped ZnO photo-anodes and Terminalia catappa sensitizer showed higher efficiency at higher Mg concentration and observed increase in efficiency is discussed based on slower charge carrier recombination and higher carrier life time as evidenced from the electrochemical impedance analysis.     

Physicochemical Interaction of ZnO Fine Particles with 5‐Mono‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐Triphenylporphyrin

This study deals with an investigation on the preparation and physicochemical interactions of ZnO nanoparticles with acid functionalized porphyrin [5‐mono‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrin (CPTPP)] for photovoltaic applications in a detailed manner. Zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide were used as the starting materials for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles at 60 °C in an alcoholic medium. The freshly prepared fine particles were then functionalized with CPTPP. Both the virgin and pregnant ZnO particles were characterized by using UV‐Visible spectrophotometry (UV), fluorescence emission (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The band gap energy obtained for ZnO particles, having a value of 3.47 eV, shows significant quantum confinement effect and enhanced photophysical activity. FTIR analysis of the doped ZnO nanostructures showed the presences of some chemical species. SEM analysis revealed a clear change in the surface morphologies of undoped ZnO. The average crystallite size of nanoparticles, calculated from XRD peaks, was found in the nano regime. The lattice parameters calculated for ZnO nanocrystals were also found in good agreement with those given in the literature. From the enhancement in the red shift of the UV‐Vis spectra, it is concluded that hybridization of acid functionalized porphyrin can cause a significant expansion in the total absorption region of ZnO semiconductor for photovoltaic applications.     

溶剂热法制备六角锥形ZnO及其光致发光性能

通过乙酸锌和醇溶液反应得到了六角锥形纳米ZnO颗粒, 反应过程中不使用碱溶液和表面活性剂. 利用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、选区电子衍射(SAED)及扫描电子显微镜(SEM)对其形貌和结构进行了表征分析. 结果表明, 此方法制备的ZnO颗粒为单晶, 而且六角锥形ZnO的室温光致发光谱(PL)在378 nm处显示出了单纯的紫外发射峰, 而不是通常报道的可见光区发射, 这也预示着这种特殊结构的纳米ZnO将会成为一种具有良好应用前景的光学材料.     

Synthesis of 3,4,5-substituted furan-2(5<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-ones using Al-doped ZnO nanostructure

Al-doped ZnO nanostructures were prepared via a simple precipitation method and were characterized by several techniques including XRD, TEM, EDX, UV–Vis, and DLS. All XRD patterns show the hexagonal single-phase structure of pure and Al-doped ZnO nanopowders without impurity. The samples consist of particles with average sizes ranging from 53 to 60 nm measured by DLS technique. Next, the catalytic activity of pure and Al-doped ZnO nanopowders was investigated in terms of synthesis of 3,4,5-substituted furan-2(5H)-one derivatives using the three-component reaction of aldehydes, aromatic amines, and acetylenic esters. This procedure has advantages such as high yields, simple methodology, and easy work-up.     

Combustion synthesis of calcium doped ZnO nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye

ZnO nanoparticles are one of the prominent photocatalysts for environmental applications due to its high redox ability, nontoxic and higher stability. This report explains the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by a simple solution combustion method using zinc nitrate hexahydrate as an oxidizing agent and incense stick powder as fuel at 400 °C. Several techniques were adopted for the characterization of the obtained product. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that a lower concentration of fuel gives pure ZnO and a higher concentration of fuel results in calcium doped ZnO with a cubic phase having a crystallite size of 32–28 nm. UV–vis spectrum shows that as the fuel concentration increases, band gap decreases and reaches to 3.33 eV for 3 g of fuel. Spongy networks with many pores wereobserved in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed the average particle size of Ca doped ZnO NPs is about 20 nm. Pure and Ca doped ZnO nanoparticles were examined for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light irradiation. The results prove that Ca doped ZnO nanoparticles show good photocatalytic activity.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and humidity sensing property of ZnO nanostructures and ZnO-In(OH)3 nanocomposites

Prism- and raspberry-like ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO-In(OH)(3) nanocomposites were prepared by template free hydrothermal method. XRD investigations and microscopic studies showed that pill-like In(OH)(3) particles with body-centered cubic crystal structure formed on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles resulting in increased specific surface area. TEM-EDX mapping images demonstrated that not only nanocomposite formation took place in the course of the synthesis, but zinc ions were also built into the crystal lattice of the In(OH)(3). However, only undoped In(OH)(3) was found on the surface of the pill-like particle aggregates by XPS analyses. The raspberry- and prism-like ZnO particles exhibit strong visible emission with a maximum at 585 and 595 nm, respectively, whose intensity significantly increase due to nanocomposite formation. Photoelectric investigations revealed that photocurrent intensity decreased with increasing indium ion concentration during UV light excitation, which was explained by increase in visible fluorescence emission. QCM measurements showed that morphology of ZnO and concentration of In(OH)(3) had an influence on the water vapor sensing properties.