Semiconducting material of pure ZnO hollow nanospheres; and their modified electrode used for electrocatalytic reduction of ethanol and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

Zinc oxide hollow nanosphere (ZnO HNS) is synthesize by solution phase growth method; by using carbon sphere as a template. It is act as an n-type semiconductor with band cap 4.2 eV and also exhibits a wurtzite hexagonal type crystal structure, which is confirmed by DRS UV–Vis spectra and X-rays diffraction analysis. The whole diameter of ZnO HNS is 300–350 nm in size and the thickness of wall is 40–60 nm, which is fabricated by ZnO nanoparticles (NP), its size is ranges from 20 to 50 nm. The size depends upon the adsorption/growth of metal ions on the surface of carbon spheres and also the size and thickness of wall is affected by solvents. This ZnO HNS modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ethanol; it may be exhibits sensor capability towards H2O2, and ethanol. These electrochemical experiments are carried out by using cyclic voltammetry in the presence of 0.1 M KCl (pH 5.9).