DNA Assisted Synthesis, Characterization and Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Recently biosynthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles had attracted much attention because of the necessity to develop new clean, ecofriendly and cost effective synthesis techniques. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation, using DNA, a biomaterial, as capping agent. The nanoparticles obtained are characterized using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. The XRD confirms the crystalline nature and formation of nanoparticle. The optical properties were studied using Photoluminescence spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption studies. Band gap of the material obtained is 3.63eV higher than the bulk value (3.37eV). Broad and intense luminescence emissions make the material suitable for blue lazing applications. The results are compared with Zinc Oxide nanoparticles prepared using EDTA as capping agent and found to be of better quality in many aspects. If metal oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized using DNA as capping agent will it favor the synthesis of medically useful metal oxide directly into human body? 