Ultrasound-assisted sol-gel synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic application of ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study we synthesized nano-sized ZnO particles by ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel method. The materials were, then, sintered at different temperatures of 400 o C, 500 o C, 600 o C, and 700 o C. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the obtained ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, UV VIS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The results showed that ZnO nanoparticles have a hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure, spherical and hexagonal shapes, and an average size of 22-30 nm. ZnO nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts to decompose methylene blue under ultraviolet light. The results showed that the materials are able to decompose methylene blue under ultra-violet lights. The material sintered 600o C achieved the highest efficiency. From that, it can be concluded that ZnO nanoparticles have potential applications as photocatalysts for organic dyes removal in aqueous solutions.