Optimization of Parameters and its Effect on Size of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sol-gel Method

Abstract

In the present research work, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple precipitation sol-gel method with zinc sulfate as precursor and sodium hydroxide as reagent. Taguchi method was utilized for optimization of process parameters with respect to average particle size and particle size distribution of ZnO nanoparticles as output parameters. FESEM studies were performed for understanding the average particle size of ZnO nanoparticles, while the purity was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. In the present study, we report formation of mono-sized spherical ZnO nanoparticles with lowest average particle size of 78 nm which was obtained at experimental conditions of molar ratio of 1:2, reaction time of 10 h, and calcination temperature of 700 °C. Also, optimal conditions were determined, and it was found that molar ratio of zinc sulfate and sodium hydroxide is the most significant parameter for affecting particle size of ZnO nanoparticles.