Modified combustion synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles using various dispersants

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with hexagonal wurtize structure were successfully synthesized via simple, cost-effective and environmental friendly modified combustion synthesis route. Three different type of dispersants namely glycerol, palm oil derived fatty alcohol (C8) and fatty ester (C12) were employed to produce the nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction patterns of calcined ZnO nanoparticles indicated the successful formation of ZnO. The crystallite sizes were at ca. 39.42 nm, 27.62 nm and 30.27 nm for ZnO produced using glycerol, fatty alcohol (C8) and fatty ester (C12). The morphology was of spindle-like shape for ZnO produced using glycerol and pseudo-spherical shape for ZnO produced using palm oil derived fatty alcohol (C8) and fatty ester (C12). Energy dispersive X-ray analyses showed the existence of zinc and oxygen peak suggesting successful formation of ZnO using various renewable dispersant. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.