Non-basic solution routes to prepare ZnO nanoparticles

Nanocrystalline ZnO particles were prepared from alcoholic solutions of zinc acetate dihydrate without using base such as NaOH or LiOH through a colloid process carried out at a low temperature of 60°C. A comparative study of chemical reactions from zinc acetate dihydrate to ZnO was made using different types of monool solvents, i.e. methanol, ethanol, and 2-methoxyethanol. It was revealed that layered hydroxide zinc acetate was formed as an intermediate and its transformation into ZnO was a key reaction step in any of the solutions. Reaction time necessary for the precipitation of ZnO was greatly influenced by the solvents used. Methanol was useful for the preparation of the ZnO nanoparticles, which were chemically pure in terms of cation impurities and exhibited green photoluminescence by the ultraviolet excitation.