Large scale synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via homogeneous precipitation

In order to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles economically, industrial-grade zinc sulfate and urea were utilized to synthesize ZnO precursors in a stirred-tank reactor or a Teflon-lined autoclave at 100–180 °C under complete sealing condition. The ZnO precursors were calcined at 450 °C for 3 h to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles. The composition of the precursors and the formation mechanism of ZnO were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the ZnO powders demonstrate that high-purity zincite ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized. Orthogonal experiments were performed to find out the optimal conditions for the maximum yield and the minimum size. The effect of temperature on the size of ZnO nanoparticles was investigated. The results show that a higher temperature is propitious to obtain smaller nanoparticles.