Propylene Oxide Concentration Research Articles

A sustainable utilization approach of waste biomass resources to smart materials for buildings

Resource utilization of solid waste promotes resource conservation, energy transformation and sustainable development. In this study, we developed a synthetic strategy for converting biomass waste, such as waste bamboo powder, into a smart material with thermochromic properties - hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). The synthesis process includes extraction of cellulose and modification with hydroxypropyl groups. The maximum extraction efficiency of cellulose from raw bamboo powder was up to 48 % by carefully adjusting the reaction conditions including NaOH concentration, reaction time, and treatment temperature. The maximum yield of modification process was achieved to 1.32 g/g by optimizing alkalization temperature, alkalization time, NaOH concentration, propylene oxide concentration, etherification temperature and etherification time. The samples were characterized by a variety of techniques such as FTIR, 1H NMR, XRD, SEM to validate the micro-structure of the extracted cellulose the HPC materials. Moreover, this study explored the potential application of HPC hydrogel in smart window application, and evaluated its building energy saving efficiency under different climate conditions through computational simulation. The corresponding results showed that the HPC hydrogel smart window could have significant energy saving potential compared to ordinary clear glass window. This novel approach of converting waste resources into high valued thermochromic materials for smart windows, not only reduces waste disposal demand for excessive land-use and energy consumption but also shows a positively contributes to sustainable development, environmental protection, as well as energy conservation.

Hydroxypropylation for functional enhancement of sago starch: The effects of low propylene oxide concentration using response surface methodology

Native sago starch is currently limited to food and adhesives due to its functional constraints, requiring improvement for broader industrial use. Hydroxypropylation is a modification technique used to enhance the functional properties of starches. However, propylene oxide usage is restricted owing to safety and environmental concerns during the modification process. Therefore, hydroxypropylation with a low dose of propylene oxide was selected to improve the functional characteristics of the sago starch with the desired molar substitution. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was chosen to optimize hydroxypropylation with the following factorial process variables: volume of 7 % w/w propylene oxide (6–18 ml), reaction pH (9−12), reaction time (3–8 h), and the desired molar substitution (MS) as a response variable was 0.100. The optimization was achieved at 17.03 ml of 7 % wt. of propylene oxide, reaction pH 11.92, and reaction time of 3 h. Hydroxypropylation has effectively increased the functional properties of sago starch including swelling power, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and solubility of sago starch as well as paste and setback viscosity. However, hydroxypropylation reduced the amylose content, gelatinization temperature, and breakdown viscosity. The RSM with a low propylene oxide concentration successfully optimized sago starch hydroxypropylation and enhanced its functional properties. Hydroxypropylated sago starch using low propylene oxide could be further studied as a potential thickener in the food industry.

Plasma-Induced Selective Propylene Epoxidation Using Water as the Oxygen Source.

Propylene oxide (PO) is a critical gateway chemical used in large-scale production of plastics and many other compounds. In addition, PO is also used in many smaller-scale applications that require lower PO concentrations and volumes. These include its usage as a fumigant and disinfectant for food, a sterilizer for medical equipment, as well as in producing modified food such as starch and alginate. While PO is currently mostly produced in a large-scale propylene epoxidation chemical process, due to its toxic nature and high transport and storage costs, there is a strong incentive to develop PO production strategies that are well-suited for smaller-scale on-site applications. In this contribution, we designed a plasma-liquid interaction (PLI) catalytic process that uses only water and C3H6 as reactants to form PO. We show that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated in the interactions of water with plasma serves as a critical oxidizing agent that can epoxidize C3H6 over a titanium silicate-1 (TS-1) catalyst dispersed in a water solution with a carbon-based selectivity of more than 98%. As the activity of this plasma C3H6 epoxidation system is limited by the rate of H2O2 production, strategies to improve H2O2 production were also investigated.

Emission behavior and impact assessment of gaseous volatile compounds in two typical rural domestic waste landfills

Landfill sites are sources of gaseous volatile compounds. The dumping area (LDA) and leachate storage pool (LSP) of two typical rural domestic waste landfill sites in north China (NLF) and southwest China (SLF) were investigated. We found that 45, 46, 61 and 68 volatile organic compounds (VOC) were present in the air of NLF-LDA, NLF-LSP, SLF-LDA, and SLF-LSP, respectively. And there were 27, 29, 35 and 37 kinds of odorous compounds being detected. Oxygenated compounds (>48.88%), chlorinated compounds (>6.85%), and aromatics (>5.46%), such as organic acid, 1-chlorobutane, and benzene, were the most abundant compounds in both landfills. The SLF-LDA had the highest olfactory effect, with a corresponding total odor activity value of 29,635.39. The ozone-formation potential analysis showed that VOCs emitted from SLF landfills had significantly higher potential for ozone formation than those from NLF landfills, with ozone generation potentials of 166.02, 225.86, 2511.82, and 1615.99 mg/m3 for the NLF-LDA, NLF-LSP, SLF-LDA, and SLF-LSP, respectively. Higher chronic toxicity and cancer risk of VOCs were found in the SLF according to method of Risk Assessment Information System. Based on the sensitivity analysis by the Monte Carlo method, concentrations of benzene, propylene oxide, propylene, trichloroethylene, and N-nitrosodiethylamine, along with exposure duration, daily exposure time, and annual exposure frequency, significantly impacted the risk levels. We provide a scientific basis, which reflects the need for controlling and reducing gaseous pollutants from landfills, particularly rural residential landfills, which may improve rural sanitation.

Sorption and desorption dynamics of ethyl formate and propylene oxide as fumigants in durable agricultural commodities

Ethyl formate (EF) and propylene oxide (PPO) are promising alternative fumigants for stored products. Sorption and desorption behaviors of EF and PPO were studied in five commodities. EF and PPO were highly and moderately sorptive, respectively, into the treated commodities. Pinto beans, wheat flour and corn were highly sorptive compared to wheat kernels and tobacco leaves. The headspace concentrations of EF decreased after 24 h of fumigation by the average percentages of 93.5, 65.0, 78.9, 98.6 and 52.6% fumigated at 50 mg/L, while similar percentages of 93.5, 61.1, 78.7, 98.0, and 52.3 fumigated at 100 mg/L were found for wheat flour, wheat kernels, corn, pinto beans and tobacco leaves, respectively. Declines in percentages for headspace concentrations of PPO by wheat flour, wheat kernels, corn, pinto bean and tobacco leaves were 90.7, 43.5, 77.6, 97.6, and 77.0 at 50 mg/L, and were 90.3, 41.9, 77.8, 96.6 and 78.7% at 100 mg/L, respectively, by the end of the 24-h exposure period. Sorption rates of EF (mg/kg commodity) in wheat flour, wheat kernels, corn, pinto bean and tobacco leaves were 280.4, 192.2, 233.0, 295.6, 525.8, at 50 mg/L and were 560.2, 361.3465.1, 588.2, and 1046.4 at 100 mg/L, respectively after 24 h of fumigation. Sorption rates of PPO (mg/kg commodity) were 271.9, 128.6, 229.5, 292.8, 770.7 at 50 mg/L and were 541.6, 247.8, 459.9, 579.7, 1573.2 at 100 mg/L for wheat flour, wheat kernels, corn, pinto bean and tobacco leaves, respectively. Pinto beans were the most sorptive commodity for EF and PPO and wheat kernels were the lowest. EF and PPO desorbed from all commodities except pinto beans 24 h after ventilation. These results may improve understanding of sorption and desorption of EF and PPO for commercial fumigations.

Thermal decomposition of propylene oxide with different activation energy and Reynolds number in a multicomponent tubular reactor containing a cooling jacket

In this article, we are focusing on heat and mass transfer through a Multicomponent tubular reactor containing a cooling jacket by thermal decomposition of propylene oxide in water. The chemical reaction is an irreversible, 1st order reaction and an exothermic reaction that yields propylene glycol with enthalpy = −84,666 J/mol. The constant rate of the reaction is followed by the Arrhenius equation in which the activation energy is taken on a trial basis in the range from 75,000 to 80,000 J/mol with a fixed frequency factor. For the fluid to flow, the Reynolds number is kept in the range from 100 to 1000. The three partial differential equations of mass, momentum, and energy are coupled to study heat and mass transfer in a tubular reactor by using the chemistry interface in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4. The initial concentration of propylene oxide is tested in the range from 2 to 3% and the thermal conductivity of the mixture is tested in the range 0.599–0.799. It was found that the amount deactivated of the compound decreases with an increase in Reynolds number. Propylene oxide is decomposed at about 99.8% at Re = 100 at lower activation energy and gives the total maximum enthalpy change in the tubular reactor. Observing the relationship between Sherwood numbers to Nusselt numbers, it was deducted that the convective heat transfer is opposite to convective mass transfer for high Reynolds numbers.

Temperature-Transferable Coarse-Grained Model for Poly(propylene oxide) to Study Thermo-Responsive Behavior of Triblock Copolymers.

Thermo-responsive behavior of ethylene oxide (EO)-propylene oxide (PO) copolymers makes them suitable for many potential applications. Reproducing the origins of the tunable properties of EO-PO copolymers using coarse-grained (CG) models such as the MARTINI force field is critically important for building a better understanding of their behavior. In the present work, we have investigated the effects of coarse-graining on the water-polymer interaction across a temperature range. We compared the performance of different all-atom force fields to find the most appropriate one for the purpose of PO block parameterization in the MARTINI platform. We parameterized a CG temperature-dependent PO model based on the reproduction of the atomistic free energy of transfer of propylene oxide trimer from octane to water over a range of temperatures (20-60 °C) and compared the atomistic bond and angle distributions. Then, we used the model to study the effects of EO/PO ratio, molecular weight, and concentration on the thermo-responsive behavior of EO-PO copolymers in water. The results show an excellent agreement with experiments in different areas. Our temperature-dependent model reproduces (1) micellar phase above critical micelle temperature (CMT) and unimer phase below CMT for different Pluronics (a class of EO-PO triblock copolymers) spanning many EO/PO ratios and molecular weights; (2) spherical-to-rodlike micellar shape transition for Pluronics with 60 wt % of PO content or more; (3) diffusion coefficients for Pluronics with high PO content (P104 Pluronic with a PO mass of 3500 g mol-1) across a broad range of temperatures; and (4) micelle core size and micelle diameter similar to experimental results. Overall, our model improves the temperature sensitivity of EO-PO copolymers of existing models significantly, particularly for copolymers that are dominated by PO agents.

Effects of varying levels of succinylation and hydroxypropylation on functional, thermal and textural characteristics of white sorghum starch

AbstractBackground and objectivesStarch is a versatile storage biopolymer with exceptional physicochemical properties. However, sometimes it owes certain functional inabilities in the native form which could be effectively overcome by chemical modifications to meet specific requirements. The present study was conducted to improve the functional properties of native sorghum starch chemically modifying via succinylation and hydroxypropylation. Native sorghum starch was modified with different concentrations of succinic anhydride and propylene oxide and was subsequently analyzed for physicochemical, thermal, and textural properties.FindingsThe swelling power and water retention capacity tend to improve upon substitution with succinyl and hydroxypropyl groups while succinylation did not have any pronounced effect on solubility of sorghum starch. All modified starches resulted in more clear starch paste than native starch but hydroxypropylated starch pastes were the most transparent to light. Succinylation did not bring about any change in pasting temperature; however, peak viscosity, hot paste viscosity, and cold paste viscosity increased significantly. Hydroxypropylated starches exhibited lower pasting temperature, higher peak viscosity for only starch substituted with 30% propylene oxide. Thermal gelatinization temperatures and enthalpy of gelatinization were significantly reduced after hydroxypropylation of sorghum starch. Percent retrogradation (%R) was significantly reduced for starches treated with 3% and 4% succinic anhydride and for all hydroxypropylated starches.ConclusionsWe concluded that hydroxypropylated starch substituted with 30% reagent exhibited the most desirable physicochemical properties and the lowest retrogradation.Significance and noveltyThis study highlighted the benefits of using different concentrations of succinic anhydride and propylene oxide to improve the functional properties of sorghum starch.

Co(III)/Alkali-Metal(I) Heterodinuclear Catalysts for the Ring-Opening Copolymerization of CO2 and Propylene Oxide.

The ring-opening copolymerization of carbon dioxide and propene oxide is a useful means to valorize waste into commercially attractive poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) polyols. The reaction is limited by low catalytic activities, poor tolerance to a large excess of chain transfer agent, and tendency to form byproducts. Here, a series of new catalysts are reported that comprise heterodinuclear Co(III)/M(I) macrocyclic complexes (where M(I) = Group 1 metal). These catalysts show highly efficient production of PPC polyols, outstanding yields (turnover numbers), quantitative carbon dioxide uptake (>99%), and high selectivity for polyol formation (>95%). The most active, a Co(III)/K(I) complex, shows a turnover frequency of 800 h–1 at low catalyst loading (0.025 mol %, 70 °C, 30 bar CO2). The copolymerizations are well controlled and produce hydroxyl telechelic PPC with predictable molar masses and narrow dispersity (Đ < 1.15). The polymerization kinetics show a second order rate law, first order in both propylene oxide and catalyst concentrations, and zeroth order in CO2 pressure. An Eyring analysis, examining the effect of temperature on the propagation rate coefficient (kp), reveals the transition state barrier for polycarbonate formation: ΔG‡ = +92.6 ± 2.5 kJ mol–1. The Co(III)/K(I) catalyst is also highly active and selective in copolymerizations of other epoxides with carbon dioxide.

Comparison of the structure and properties of hydroxypropylated acid-hydrolysed maize starches with different amylose/amylopectin contents

Dually modified regular maize starch (RMS) and high-amylose maize starch (HAMS) were successfully prepared by first acid hydrolysis and subsequently hydroxypropylation. The effects of hydrolysis time (0–24 h) and propylene oxide (PO) content (10–30%) on the structure and physicochemical properties were investigated. The molar substitution (MS) of HAMS samples (up to 0.163) was generally higher than that of RMS samples (up to 0.149), suggesting the higher reactivity of amylose for hydroxypropylation. Besides, PO content had a greater influence on MS whereas the effect of acid hydrolysis time was minor. For both starches, the dual modifications did not cause apparent changes to the granule morphology but reduced gelatinisation temperatures and enthalpy; and a higher PO content led to higher relative crystallinity. These results suggest that hydroxypropylation occurred mainly on the surface of HAMS granules and had little influence on the compact granular structure, whereas this reaction impacted the internal structure of RMS much more. The rheological study shows the introduced hydroxypropyl bulky groups weakened the entanglements between amylose chains or amylopectin chains with long branches. Thus, this work provides insights into the rational design of modified starch products containing different amylose/amylopectin contents with tailored properties.

Karakterisasi Fisik Pati Tapioka Modifikasi Gabungan Hidroksipropilasi dengan Fosfat-Ikat Silang

Native tapioca starch has limited application in food industry due to its physicochemical characteristics that are not suitable for processing conditions, such as unstable at high temperature heating, acidic conditions, stirring, and undergoing syneresis. This deficiency can be overcome by applying a dual modification involving hydroxypropylation and cross-linking with phosphates. In this study, modification was carried out by hydroxypropylation using propylene oxide (8, 10, and 12%), followed by cross-linking with a combination of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium phosphate (STMP) with a ratio of 2%: 5%. The modified tapioca starch had water content of 7.82-8.19% with a pH value of 7.04-7.26, and phosphorus resiude of &lt;0.4%. There were no change in starch granules and type of cristallline (A-tyype) of starch modifications. The dual modified starch with the addition of 10% propylene oxide concentration with a mixture of STMP : STTP ratio (2%:5% was selected to have acceptable physicochemical properties. It showed lowered pasting temperature, minimum break down viscosity, increased peak and setback viscosity compared to that of native starch. The modified tapioca starch also showed more heat stable and stirring resistant than that of native tapioca starch.

Chemical modification of waste paper: An optimization towards hydroxypropyl cellulose synthesis

Chemical modification of waste paper offers a good prospective for environment protection through minimizing the waste density. The study develops a new opportunity for recycling of waste paper through hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) synthesis. Waste paper cellulose was hydroxypropylated by alkalization and etherification process. The hydroxypropylation reaction conditions were optimized for reactant concentrations, reaction time and temperature. Maximum DS (1.15) was achieved at 1.5 M/anhydro glucose unit (AGU) NaOH concentration, 40 °C alkalization temperature, 2.5 h alkalization time, 27.82 M/AGU propylene oxide concentration, 3.5 h reaction time for hydroxypropylation and 55 °C hydroxypropylation reaction temperature. HPC sample (DSmax. = 1.15) was examined for rheological behaviour and characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, XRD, HPLC and SEM techniques. This environment friendly approach explored an alternative new route for waste paper recycling and substantiated waste paper as a promising feedstock for HPC synthesis. The study further forms a real stepping stone towards resource conservation and recycling.

Synthesis and performance of polycarboxylate superplasticisers with different propylene oxide contents

A series of polycarboxylate superplasticisers (PCEs) were synthesised by the random free radical polymerisation of acrylic acid (AA) and polyether containing different propylene oxide (PO) contents. The structures of the polymers were confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. The influence of the PCEs with different PO contents on the dispersion, adsorption, hydration and fluidity retaining abilities of cement pastes was investigated. The results indicated that the PCEs containing PO units exhibited a similar initial cement paste fluidity and better slump retaining ability. The adsorption experiments were consistent with the cement paste tests. The PCEs showed similar initial adsorption amounts at different dosages. The PCEs with PO content, however, especially with higher PO content, exhibited obviously lower adsorption amounts over time at the dosage of 2·5 mg/g. In addition, the PO units in the PCEs demonstrated a weaker effect on cement hydration.

Titanium Dioxide-Yttrium(III)-Oxide Composite Based Cataluminescence Gas Sensor for Fast Detection of Propylene Oxide

Abstract By using nano TiO2-Y2O3 as catalyst, cataluminescence (CTL) phenomenon of propylene oxide (PO) was studied, and it was found that the sensor has high sensitivity and good selectivity for the detection of propylene oxide. The common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, acetaldehyde and benzene show no response to the catalysis of TiO2-Y2O3. Based on this phenomenon, a propylene oxide CTL sensor was designed. The ratio of TiO2 and Y2O3 and the annealed temperatures of the composites were optimized. It was found that when the mass ratio of TiO2 and Y2O3 was 1:3 and the annealed temperature was 500 °C, the catalytic materials showed the best performance. 0.3 L min−1 of carrier gas flow rate, 490 nm of detection wavelength and 197 °C of working temperature were selected as the optimal working conditions, and under the optimized conditions, the quantitative analysis was performed and CTL intensity was linearly correlated with PO concentration from 4.5 mg L–1 to 1375 mg L–1 with a detection limit (3σ) of 1.25 mg L–1. The sensor was used for quantitative analysis and real-time monitoring of propylene oxide residues in fumigation cereals. The result was consistent with that analyzed by gas chromatography. The CTL sensor proposed here had many merits such as high sensitivity, rapidity and simple operation and had potential application prospects in the rapid detection of propylene oxide in food. At last, the mechanism of catalytic oxidation of PO was discussed as well.

Effect of dual chemically modified on functional properties of white corn starch

The purpose of the research was to study functional properties of dual-modified two varieties of white corn starch, namely Anoman and Pulut. Modifications of white corn starch used two treatment factors, namely hydroxypropylation reaction at two levels of propylene oxide concentration (8% and 10%) followed by crosslinking reactions on two combinations of STMP phosphate compounds and STPP (ratio 1%:4% and 2%:5%). The results showed that the dual modification can improve the functional properties of white corn starch Anoman dan Pulut variety compared with its native. The dual modified white corn starches of Anoman variety significantly different with Anoman variety on the characteristic of pasting properties, water absorption capacity, swelling volume, clarity of paste, and freeze thaw stability.

Effect of a dual modification by hydroxypropylation and acid hydrolysis on the structure and rheological properties of potato starch

Potato starch modified with varying hydrolysis time and propylene oxide content was prepared to investigate the structure and rheological properties of acid-hydrolyzed-hydroxypropylated potato starch (AHP). The preceding acid hydrolysis, which altered the surface and interior properties of the starch granules, led to increased degree of hydroxypropylation. Pronounced differences in structural characteristics of starch were observed with changing hydrolysis time. Any increase in the hydrolysis time or propylene oxide content resulted in an increase in the flow behavior index and a decrease in consistency coefficient of the dual-modified starch. The gelling and gel properties appeared to be governed by the characteristics of starch molecules, i.e., samples with medium molecular weight and a relatively low degree of hydroxypropyl substitution were characterized by superior gelling ability and gel strength. The relationship between the properties of the sol-gel transition and the degree of the dual modification was further confirmed by examining the starch microstructure and changes in water distribution. The current study provides basic knowledge required for the use of AHP in such useful applications, as coating, encapsulation and hydrogel formation, in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Modification of (Dioscorea alata l) starch with propylene oxide to make edible film

The research about modification uwi starch ( Dioscorea alata L ) by using propylene oxide has been done. Concentration of propylene oxide were 6%(v/w), 8%(v/w), and 10%(v/w). The amilograf parameter after modification were characteristic breakdown viscosity 43 BU and setback viscosity 975 BU. The modification starch has edible properties according to FDA (food and drug administration) which have degree of modification < 7%, degree of substitution < 0,1 and propylene oxide concentration < 10%(v/w). The best propylene oxide in making of edible film was 8 %( v/w). The starch control can be made into edible film with thickness 0,136 mm, tensile strength 20,4605 MPa and elongation 22%. Modification starch of uwi can be made into edible film with thickness 0,146 mm, tensile strength 25, 3521 Mpa, elongation 30% and water vapor transmission 7, 2651 g/m 2 /24 hours. FTIR characterization of uwi starch showed the occurrence of hydroxypropylation. The peak spectrum at 2900 cm -1 showed bonding of C-H from methyl group, which is characteristic for modification starch with hydroxypropyl. Characterization with scanning electron microscopy showed that modification of uwi starch has turned the granule of starch to be fully swallon.

Kinetic modeling of carboxylation of propylene oxide to propylene carbonate using ion-exchange resin catalyst in a semi-batch slurry reactor

Kinetic modeling of carboxylation of propylene oxide with CO2 to propylene carbonate has been investigated in a semi-batch slurry reactor. Propylene oxide can be selectively transformed into propylene carbonate (selectivity: 99+%) in the presence of ion exchange resin catalysts with basic functional groups. The effect of reaction temperature (65–95°C), CO2 pressure (0.5–3.0MPa), propylene oxide concentration in propylene carbonate (as a solvent) on the carboxylation rates was studied. Experimental results show that CO2 displays inhibition effect on carboxylation reaction at high pressure conditions. For kinetic modeling, three types of rate models were investigated, including two involving Langmuir-Hinshelwood and one modified Eley-Rideal mechanisms. Details of model discrimination and evaluation of kinetic parameters are discussed. Based on the parameter estimation and rigorous model discrimination, it is found that the proposed modified Eley-Rideal rate model describing surface reaction between free PO and adsorbed CO2 on catalyst surface fits the experimental data very well.

Hydroxypropylation improves film properties of high amylose corn starch

Important characteristics of solvent-cast films prepared with modified high amylose corn starch were compared. The hydroxypropylation of high amylose corn starch with propylene oxide at 3–12% (w/w starch basis) and glycerol as plasticizer reduced film brittleness. Increasingly intact and transparent films with higher elongation at break (E) were obtained with higher concentrations of propylene oxide- E increased from 37.55 to 63.37% for 3 and 12% propylene oxide, respectively. However, corresponding tensile strength (TS) of the films decreased from 15.98MPa to 8.85MPa. Plasticizer types (glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, and mixtures of glycerol/sorbitol or glycerol/xylitol) and contents (10–25%, w/w of starch) strongly affected the film formation and characteristics of hydroxypropylated high amylose corn starch. The hydroxypropylation with 6% (w/w) propylene oxide (6HPHACS) and 20% (w/w) glycerol resulted in optimal cast-films, based on both appearance and mechanical properties. These films exhibited better flexibility with adequate tensile strength and water vapor permeability.

Propylene oxide assisted sol–gel synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles for solar fuel production

This paper reports the synthesis of phase-pure Zn-ferrite nanoparticles with high specific surface area (SSA) via the propylene oxide (PO) assisted sol–gel method. For the synthesis of Zn-ferrite, metal precursors (ZnCl2 and FeCl2·4H2O) were first dissolved in ethanol, and then PO was added dropwise for the gel formation. The effects of a variety of synthesis parameters, such as the concentration of PO, the gel aging time, the calcination temperature, and the calcination dwell time, on the phase/chemical composition, SSA, porosity, crystallite size, and morphology of the Zn-ferrite were studied in detail. Different analytical techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), BET surface area analyzer (BET), electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), were used for analyzing the Zn-ferrite samples. The acquired results indicate that the phase/chemical composition of the Zn-ferrite remains unchanged, irrespective of the variation in the experimental conditions. BET analysis further confirms that the SSA of Zn-ferrite increased due to the increase in the concentration of PO and decreased with the upsurge in the calcination temperature and dwell time. The crystallite size of Zn-ferrite was also observed to be higher when the calcination temperature and dwell time were increased. SEM and HR-TEM assessment verify the formation of Zn-ferrite nanoparticles via the sol–gel method employed during the study.