Continuous Crystallization of ZnO Nanoparticles by Spray Flash Evaporation versus Batch Synthesis

Abstract

AbstractRegarding the scaled up and accelerated processing of ZnO particles, an advanced continuous pilot plant device is used for ZnO nanoparticle production from a zinc acetate dihydrate solution. A qualitative and mechanistic study is presented to show the feasibility of the process with respect to the formation of semiconducting ZnO nanoparticles. In order to evaluate the continuous approach based on the particle characteristics, a laboratory batch synthesis approach is additionally consulted for conventional preparation. In both cases, the precursor solutions are identical, on the basis of ethanol; no alkaline precipitant is added. The main finding in this comparison is the differing surface chemistry of the particles derived from these two approaches which triggers a whole cascade of differences in particle size distribution and spectroscopic and morphological properties of the particles.