A novel route to zeolite-templated ZnO quantum wires

Abstract

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesised within the pores of the zeolite ferrierite (FER) by a novel molten salt impregnation method and compared to a traditional wet impregnation method. The structure and optical properties were characterised by powder XRD, photoluminescence and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results reveal a distinct difference in the effect of the impregnation method on the zeolite framework. The optical data show blue-shifts in the absorption and emission profiles of encapsulated ZnO with respect to the bulk material. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.