Preparation of ZnO Nanoparticles Water-based Dispersion

Abstract

In this work, an attempt was made to stabilize ZnO NPs as water-based dispersion. The dispersing agents used are 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and oleic acid (OA). These dispersing agents were combined with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to facilitate better dispersion stability. Different wt% content of modified ZnO NPs such as 0.2, 0.4, 1 and 3% w/v was used at a fixed ratio of ZnO NPs:SDS:dispersing agent. The highest dispersion stability was achieved at 1% w/v content of modified ZnO NP, whereas some precipitate was observed at 3% w/v. The result reveals that sonication at 30 minutes produced the highest dispersion stability whereas extended sonication led to re-agglomeration of ZnO NPs. The optimum ratio of ZnO NPs:SDS:dispersing agent which produced about 98% dispersion stability was at 1:0.25:0.2. The zeta potential (ZP) values of ZnO NPs/GPTMS, ZnO NPs/PVA, and ZnO NPs/OA dispersions are -51, -29 and -15 mV, respectively. The ZP values was influenced by the electrical charge surrounding the particles which was also caused by the functional group of the dispersing agents. However, the stabilization mechanisms of modified ZnO NPs in water was complicated. It did not only depend on the electrostatic value but also on electrosteric stabilization caused by the steric effects hindering the dispersing agents. Interactions between the dispersing agents and ZnO NPs was confirmed through FTIR analysis.