Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposite ZnO on SiO2 Glass by Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Nano-ZnO embedded SiO₂ glass was prepared by sol-gel method. During this study, zinc oxalate was prepared in aqueous medium using zinc acetate and oxalic acid as precursors. The thermo-gravimetric analysis was showed formation of ZnO at 400 ºC. Nano-size zinc oxide was obtained by thermal decomposition of aqueous mediated zinc oxalate at 450 ºC. The phase purity was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Crystal size was determined from transmission electron microscopy and was found to be 15-25 nm for the aqueous mediated ZnO. Scanning electron microscope also revealed different nature of surfaces and microstructures for zinc oxide obtained in aqueous medium.