Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles via Sol-Gel Process Using Triethanolamine as a Novel Surfactant

摘要

Current researches show a growing interest in Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles ZnO is a semiconductor with a wide direct band gap of 3.37 eV and a large exciton binding energy of 60 meV at room temperature. Several methods have been developed in order to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles. Chemical methods, among them sol-gel process, are more convenient. Sol-gel is common for producing metal oxide nanoparticles because of its simplicity, cheapness and high quality products. In this research ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via the sol-gel process. ZnAc2.2H2O as precursor and TEA (Triethanolamine) as a novel surfactant were used in a methanolic solution. MEA (Monoethanolamine) and DEA (Diethanolamine) have been highly used before. In this research, solutions with different weight ratios of ZnAc to TEA (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1) were obtained. After drying, all samples were calcinated at 500 °C for 1 hr. Obtained nanoparticles were characterized with the hope of achieving better properties.