The synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals has been the subject of active research due to existing and further potential applications. Although numerous chemical strategies have been reported, the preparation of monodisperse crystals in large volumes with homogeneous properties still remains a challenge. In this work, we describe a chemical precipitation process to obtain ZnO nanoparticles of high crystal perfection through acid-catalyzed esterification of zinc acetate dihydrate with 1-pentanol. Particle formation was promoted by an esterification catalyst, p-toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (p-TSA), which yields nearly monodisperse ZnO nanoparticles at short growth times. Crystalline powders were prepared on the gram scale and characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and photoluminesence (PL) spectroscopy. The crystal size can be tuned in the diameter range of 20-80 nm by changing the p-TSA concentration and the reaction time. The presence of this acid catalyst does not cause structural differences to be seen by HRTEM and XRD. All room temperature PL spectra exhibit a strong and sharp UV emission band at ~385 nm and a weak and very broad green-yellow visible emission centered at ~550-560 nm. For the samples precipitated in presence of p-TSA, the UV emission is enhanced by a factor of 4, which can be correlated with the improvement of crystal perfection.

• Legal notice:
  

  Copyright (c) Pielaszek Research, all rights reserved.
  The above materials, including auxiliary resources, are subject to Publisher's copyright and the Author(s) intellectual rights. Without limiting Author(s) rights under respective Copyright Transfer Agreement, no part of the above documents may be reproduced without the express written permission of Pielaszek Research, the Publisher. Express permission from the Author(s) is required to use the above materials for academic purposes, such as lectures or scientific presentations.
  In every case, proper references including Author(s) name(s) and URL of this webpage: https://science24.com/paper/7461 must be provided.

1. Preparation of ZnO-Based Mixed Metal Oxide Nanoparticles via Polymer Precursor
2. PMMA/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites Prepared by in situ Bulk Polymerization