Two-step synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles

A novel two-step procedure has been employed for the synthesis of ZnOnanoparticles: (1) mechanochemical synthesis of ZnC(2)O(4)2H(2)O nanoparticles by grinding a mixture of zinc acetate and oxalic acid in an agate mortar at 27 degrees C and (2) thermal decomposition of ZnC(2)O(4)2H(2)O nanoparticles at 400 degrees C to form ZnOnanoparticles. XRD and FESEM characterize the final product as highly crystalline ZnO with wurtzite structure and crystallite sizes in the range 520 nm. FTIR and EPR are used to identify molecular species during thermal decomposition and impurity/defect status of the ZnO powder respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.