Structural and Optical Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Microemulsion Route

Abstract

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by microemulsion route in W/S ratio of 5 at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles. Rod shape of ZnO nanoparticles of average particle size 10.0 to 12.0 nm were observed by transmission electron microscopy. FT-IR spectra confirmed the adsorption of surfactant molecules at the surface of ZnO nanoparticles and presence of Zn-O bonding. Thermal studies were carried out by the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) techniques. In addition, UV-Visible spectra were employed to estimate the band gap energy of ZnO nanoparticles.