Effect of synthesis method variables on particle size in the preparation of homogeneous doped nano ZnO material

Homogeneous doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesised by the Pechini method. A statistical experimental design was used to study the effects of the synthesis method variables on the particle size. The variables were the molar ratios of the reagents and the calcination temperature. The results indicated that the calcination temperature was the only factor that had a significant effect on the particle size. The particle size of ZnO varied between 16 and 76 nm with calcination temperatures of 400-800 degrees C. The homogeneity was studied by the ICP-MS technique, and the powders were found to be highly homogeneous. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.