Quartz Phase Research Articles

Structural and Morphological Analysis of Untapped Clay Deposits in Itu Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and its Potentials as Raw Material for Petroleum Refining

This work describes scanning electron microscope and XRD characterization of untapped clay deposits in Itu Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State and its potentials as raw material for petroleum refining. The structure and morphology of the raw kaolin clay and metakaolin were analyzed using XRD and SEM. The XRD data indicates 48.0 % quartz, 30.0% kaolinite, 3.0 % chlorite, 16.0 % illite and 2.0% albite in the raw kaolin and 68.3 % quartz, 17.3 % orthoclase, 5.9 % muscovite, 1.8 % illite , 6.68 %, albite in the metakaolin from Ikot Uso Akpan and 16.2 % kaolinite, 67.0% quartz, 2.5 % muscovite, 5.5 % orthoclase, 1.4 % chlorite, and 7.0 % albite were revealed in Ekim Itam raw kaolin. 66.0 % quartz, 10.0 % muscovite, 15.0 % orthoclase, 5.0 % illite, 5.0 % albite were recorded in the metakaolin. The XRD results confirmed the presence of quartz and alumina mineral phases from both kaolin deposits. Calcination at 1000oC increased the crystalline structure of the metakaolin and did not significantly modify surface morphology of the kaolin indicating stability of kaolin structure, one the desired property of a good zeolite. The SEM results indicated heterogeneous size and spongy like porous shape. There was no significant change in the surface morphology of the heterogeneous size calcined kaolin compared with untreated kaolin. The SEM results of the metakaolin kaolin also indicated cubic crystalline structure with well-defined edges. With adequate modification the studied kaolin could be a promising raw material for synthesis of zeolite suitable for bio and fossil fuel processing.

First evaluation of stiff-in-soft host–inclusion systems: experimental synthesis of zircon inclusions in quartz crystals

Quartz crystals with zircon inclusions were synthesized using a piston-cylinder apparatus to experimentally evaluate the use of inclusions in “soft” host minerals for elastic thermobarometry. Synthesized zircon inclusion strains and, therefore, pressures (Pinc) were measured using Raman spectroscopy and then compared with the expected inclusion strains and pressures calculated from elastic models. Measured inclusion strains and inclusion pressures are systematically more tensile than the expected values and, thus, re-calculated entrapment pressures are overestimated. These discrepancies are not caused by analytical biases or assumptions in the elastic models and strain calculations. Analysis shows that inclusion strain discrepancies progressively decrease with decreasing experimental temperature in the α-quartz field. This behavior is consistent with inelastic deformation of the host–inclusion pairs induced by the development of large differential stresses during experimental cooling. Therefore, inclusion strains are more reliable for inclusions trapped at lower temperature conditions in the α-quartz field where there is less inelastic deformation of the host–inclusion systems. On the other hand, entrapment isomekes of zircon inclusions entrapped in the β-quartz stability field plot along the α–β quartz phase boundary, suggesting that the inclusion strains were mechanically reset at the phase boundary during experimental cooling and decompression. Therefore, inclusions contained in soft host minerals can be used for elastic thermobarometry and inclusions contained in β-quartz may provide constraints on the P–T at which the host–inclusion system crossed the phase boundary during exhumation.

Mg2Al4Si5O18 as a novel bond coat material for advanced thermal/environmental barrier coatings on SiCf/SiC composites

This study proposes cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18, MAS) as a novel bond coat material for thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBC), deposited using atmospheric plasma spray on SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiCf/SiC-CMCs) coupons, forming a Mg2Al4Si5O18/Yb2Si2O7/Yb2SiO5/LaMgAl11O19 coating system. The phase composition and thermal properties of the as-sprayed MAS coating were investigated, revealing cordierite as the primary phase in the as-sprayed coating with minor amounts of spinel and quartz phases which disappeared after heat treatment. Additionally, the as-sprayed MAS coating exhibited a low thermal expansion coefficient (3.19 × 10−6 K−1). The thermal cycling behavior and steam corrosion performance of the T/EBC coating system with cordierite as the bond coat were studied. Detailed analysis revealed that during thermal cycling tests, the coating failure was primarily related to liquid-phase sintering caused by eutectic reactions. In steam corrosion tests, the coating delamination was linked to the formation and growth of cracks and corrosion voids due to the residual stress release.

The effect of composition and holding time on glaze production using basalt rock as a base

This research studied the potential use of local basalt and feldspar from Lampung Province, Indonesia, as glaze materials. Frit(s) are composed of changing basalt-to-feldspar weight ratios of A (30:70), B (50:50), C (70:30), and D (100:0) w/w%. The added 20% boric acid to the total weight reduces the process temperature to 1,000oC with holding times of 1, 4, and 8 hr(s). Based on the chemical composition test of the specimen, the four variations of the sample have SiO2 content above 40%, and the average SiO2/Al2O3 ratio is 4 and 5, which is usually a low-alumina glaze that will cause a glossy effect and have an amorphous structure. At point 2theta 29o, amorphous forms. Quartz (SiO2), albite (NaAlSi3O8), anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), and coesite (SiO2) phases were discovered in the glaze specimens. The anorthite phase in glass-ceramic glaze gives a transparent glaze color due to the amorphous glassy phase formed during heat treatment. The findings of this study suggest that local materials based on basalt and feldspar may be used as glaze materials to provide a smooth texture and surface; the glaze layer is evenly distributed, can follow the full surface contour of the test specimen, and has low porosity.

A study on speciation and enrichment of rare earth elements (REE) by sequential extraction from a potential coal fly ash resource and its role in REE extractability

Coal fly ash (CFA) is a potential secondary Rare Earth Element (REE) source that needs an efficient enrichment and extraction process. Annually, coal-fired power plants generate nearly 1 billion tonnes of coal ash. India alone produced 270.82 million tonnes of CFA in 2021–22. The average global concentration of REE in coal ash is 403.5 mg/kg. The present authors have already studied some promising CFAs from Indian thermal power stations and one such CFA is used in the present study for the sequential extraction (SE), speciation, and enrichment of REEs. Organic acids are used for SE to determine different fractions of REEs and it is found that REEs are mostly associated with amorphous Mn-oxide and organic and sulfide fractions. About 84% of REEs are in the glassy phase that SE cannot dissolve. The main components of CFA and SE residues are quartz, mullite, and glassy phase (52.0–59.2%). The XRF analysis showed that CFA is ‘Class F' (ASTM C618–19). The ESEM – EDS and backscatter imaging revealed monazite-(La) mineral as the REE carrier in CFA. Furthermore, enrichment studies using acid and alkali media have been performed. Alkali treatment with NaOH and KOH increased total REE by 1.61 and 1.32 times, respectively. Acidic treatment with HCl and oxalic acid increased total REE by 1.27 and 1.09 times, respectively. Therefore, NaOH followed by HCl treatment could be a cost-effective and sustainable REE enrichment and extraction method from CFA.

Characterization of Silicate Glass/Mullite Composites Based on Coal Fly Ash Cenospheres as Effective Gas Separation Membranes

Membrane technology is a promising method for gas separation. Due to its low energy consumption, environmental safety, and ease of operation, membrane separation has a distinct advantage over the cryogenic distillation conventionally used to capture light inert gases. For efficient gas recovery and purification, membrane materials should be highly selective, highly permeable, thermally stable, and low-cost. Currently, many studies are focused on the development of high-tech materials with specific properties using industrial waste. One of the promising waste products that can be recycled into membrane materials with improved microstructure is cenospheres—hollow aluminosilicate spherical particles that are formed in fly ash from coal combustion during power generation. For this purpose, based on narrow fractions of fly ash cenospheres containing single-ring and network structure globules, silicate glass/mullite composites were prepared, characterized, and tested for helium–neon mixture separation. The results indicate that the fragmented structure of the cenosphere shells with areas enriched in SiO2 without modifier oxides, formed due to the crystallization of defective phases of mullite, quartz, cristobalite, and anorthite, significantly facilitates the gas transport process. The permeability coefficients He and Ne exceed similar values for silicate glasses; the selectivity corresponds to a high level even at a high temperature: αHe/Ne—22 and 174 at 280 °C.

Parameters Synthesis of Na-Magadiite Materials for Water Treatment and Removal of Basic Blue-41: Properties and Single-Batch Design Adsorber

Na-magadiite materials were prepared from a gel containing a silica source, sodium hydroxide, and water via hydrothermal treatment at different temperatures (130 °C to 170 °C) and periods of time (1 day to 10 days). In this study, four silica sources were selected (fumed silica, colloidal silica, Ludox HS-40%, and Ludox AS-40%). Variable conditions such as sodium hydroxide and water contents were explored at a specific temperature and reaction time. The obtained materials were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis TG-DTA, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid 29Si magic angle spinning magnetic nuclear resonance (MAS MNR, and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. A pure Na-magadiite phase was obtained from the four silica sources at a synthesis temperature of 150 °C after a period of one to two days with a characteristic basal spacing of 1.54 nm. At a longer reaction time of 3 days and a higher temperature of 170 °C, Na-kenyaite with a basal spacing of 2.01 nm was achieved, in addition to a quartz phase. The content of water or sodium hydroxide in the gel affected the nature of the prepared phases. A cauliflower-like morphology was obtained from colloidal silica sources, while a different morphology was achieved using solid fumed silica. The 29Si solid NMR confirmed the presence of Q3 and Q4 silicon sites in the Na-magadiite materials. The optimal Na-magadiite materials at 150 °C for 2 days were assessed for their ability to remove Basic Blue-41 dye from artificially contaminated aqueous solution. The Langmuir equation was used to estimate the maximum removal capacity. A maximum removal capacity of 219 mg/g was achieved using Na-magadiite prepared from a Ludox-HS40% silica source, and a maximum removal capacity of 167 mg/g was observed for Na-magadiite prepared from fumed silica. Basic Blue-4’s removal percentage was enhanced at basic pH levels (8 to 10) to a maximum of 95%. These materials could be regenerated for seven cycles of reuse with a reduction of 27 to 40% of the original values. Therefore, Na-magadiite materials are promising and efficient removal agents for the removal of Basic Blue-41 from effluents.

New environmentally friendly substance formulation based on steel slag for the manufacture of stoneware

In this paper, stoneware was prepared using steel slag shale as the main raw material. A typical ceramic sintering procedure was used to evaluate the effects of a sintering temperature of 1050∼1130 °C on the linear shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, and flexural strength parameters of stoneware samples. The stoneware samples were characterized by XRF, XRD, and SEM. The results showed that the performance of the steel slag content of 40% at sintering temperature of 1110 °C was better than the other samples. The main phases of the sample are composed of the quartz phase, the pyroxene phase, and the anorthite phase. Among them, the water absorption rate is 1.36%, the linear shrinkage rate is 11.36%, the bulk density is 2.46 g cm−3, and the flexural strength is 71.13 Mpa. Anorthite and pyroxene improve the bending strength of stoneware samples, which is realized by the prestress mechanism.

Development of Cordierite Based Carrier Refractory Sagar Bodies for Bone Porcelain Firing Process

During the firing process of porcelain tableware; Biscuit firing takes place at low temperatures (980-1000°C), while glazed firing takes place at high temperatures (1250-1280°C for soft porcelain, 1350-1380°C for hard porcelain). Biscuit firing in bone porcelain products, which is in the soft porcelain class, is done at higher temperatures than glazed firings. Due to the presence of bone ash in the Bone China recipe formulation, it causes the bodies to undergo vitrification in a narrow range and thus the final product to deform during sintering. Bone porcelain products are fired on carrier refractories called sagar so that they do not deform during sintering. Sagars are designed to support that model for each product model and do not shrink or deform during firing thanks to its low thermal expansion coefficient. In this study, a refractory body with a porous structure with the code of "PS1-Std" was developed by performing the characterization analyzes of refractory products with different technical properties supplied from different companies. In order to improve the mechanical properties by changing the ratios of talc, alumina, quartz and zircon in the recipe composition; A refractory product containing 8.47% zircon in its recipe composition and containing indialite, corundum, mullite, quartz and zircon phases after sintering has been developed. The microstructure images of the developed refractory product were examined with the support of SEM analysis. It has been observed that refractory products obtained as a result of recipe development studies offer a 10% longer service life than equivalent refractory products.

The Effect of Silica Powder Based on Methyltrimethoxysilane and Silica Sand as a Hydrophobic Material

In this research, a hydrophobic surface has been successfully created using a mixture of silica sand and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursor. This research aims to determine the effect of varying the volume of MTMS on the hydrophobic surface. The MTMS as silica precursor was synthesized with Stöber method. The variation used is the volume of the MTMS precursor, while the silica from silica sand is made constant. The volume variation of the MTMS precursor is 9.5 ml, 19 ml, 28.5 ml and 38 ml. The MTMS/SiO2 composite which has been synthesized then get mixed with steel ship paint and coated on the steel plate surface as a topcoat. The MTMS/SiO2 composite was further characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Water Contact Angle (WCA), and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) which were employed to investigate crystal structure, morphology of particle, hydrophobicity on a surface, and topography of the three-dimensional surface layer respectively. The type of liquid used in the WCA characterization is seawater. XRD characterization results show that silica sand has a quartz phase, MTMS has an amorphous phase and MTMS/SiO2 composite tends to have an amorphous phase. SEM characterization show that the particle size of silica sand that has been mixed with MTMS is around 8 – 20 μm. WCA characterization show that the addition of silica powder on the topcoat increase surface roughness and WCA, so that the steel plate surface has good hydrophobic properties. The highest water contact angle obtained in this research was 109o by seawater.

Hierarchical Structure of SiO<sub>2</sub> by <i>In Situ</i> Modification Combining Quartz Sand and Methyltrimethoxysilane

Hierarchical Structure of SiO<sub>2</sub> by <i>In Situ</i> Modification Combining Quartz Sand and Methyltrimethoxysilane

Mechanical and Structural Correlation of Lateritic Soil Road Base Stabilized with Cement and Selected Biochars

The study considers the strength and structural characterization of lateritic soil road base in order to increase the strength of low-volume sealed road construction. Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) and Saw Dust Ash (SDA), mixed with soil and in combination with different percentages of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), were utilized in the current study. Structural and mechanical characterization of the investigated samples was performed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Standard Proctor Test (SPT), Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) Test, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test. The observed increase in strength may be due to the reduction of mica, quartz, and calcite in the investigated samples. CaO and SiO2 contribute to the development of strength in cement, while SCBA, and SDA-stabilized lateritic soils. The microstructural study revealed that the mica, quartz, and calcite phases play a very important role in maintaining the strength and stability of the investigated samples.

X-ray Investigations of Sol–Gel-Derived GeO2 Nanoparticles

Germanium dioxide (GeO2) is a versatile material with several different crystalline polymorphs and interesting applications in, e.g., optics, microelectronics, and Li-ion batteries. In particular, many of the material’s properties depend on the size of the prepared crystallites, and thus, nanocrystalline GeO2 is of special interest. Here, GeO2 nanoparticles are prepared via sol–gel processes by the hydrolysis of Ge isopropoxide (Ge(OCH(CH3)2)4). The precipitated powders are dried at room temperature and annealed in ambient air using temperatures between 500 °C and 1000 °C from 3 to 24 h. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, providing the crystalline structures, the phase composition, as well as the morphology and crystallite size of the formed particles and their changes upon heating. According to the structural analysis, the samples are crystalline with a dominant β- (low temperature) quartz phase without any heat treatment directly after drying and increasing contributions of α- (high-temperature modification) quartz and quartz-like GeO2 structures with increasing temperature and annealing time were found. According to electron microscopy and the X-ray analysis, the particle size ranges from about 40 to 50 nm for the pristine particles and to about 100 nm and more for the annealed materials.

Preparation and Properties of Quartz-Anorthite Ceramics Synthesized Using Desert Sand and Coal Fly Ash

Low-cost desert sand and coal fly ash were used to synthesize high-quality quartz-anorthite composite ceramics. The effects of the addition of fly ash on the densification of green bodies, phase transformation, microstructure, and mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. The results showed that the densification of green bodies occurred when they were sintered from 1,100°C–1,200°C, and the phase transformation of anorthite mainly occurred in fly ash from 846.9°C to 982.7°C. Temperatures of densification and anorthite transformation increased with increased addition of fly ash. At 1,100°C, β-cristobalite formed in desert sand and remained at room temperature; the content increased with increased sintering temperature. The quartz-anorthite ceramics were composed of α-quartz, β-cristobalite, anorthite, and amorphous phase. Anorthite was formed by the solid-state reaction of quartz, mullite, and other phases in the desert sand and fly ash and was promoted by liquid-phase sintering at higher temperatures. The highest bending strength of 115.6 MPa and highest hardness of 668.3 Vickers hardness (HV) were produced for samples with 40% by weight fly ash sintered at 1,100°C. Samples with 100% by weight added fly ash had the lowest mean thermal expansion coefficient (5.1×10−6·K−1), the highest linear shrinkage (24.2%), and the highest bulk density (2.5 g/cm3) when sintered at 1,200°C. The samples with 0%–60%, 80%, and 100% by weight added fly ash exhibited a low water absorption of 0.8%–1.8% when sintered at 1,100°C, 1,150°C, and 1,200°C, respectively. This technique can be feasibly used to fabricate civil engineering materials such as decorative ceramics, roof tiles, wall bricks, and insulation and filling materials.

Effect of the incorporation of an excavated earth fine grained fraction in cementitious mixes

In the current context of global warming, valorisation of waste materials is becoming a key issue in the cement and concrete industries. This research focuses on the effect of the incorporation of an excavated earth fine-grained fraction (< 63 μm) in cement mixes and its contribution to the cement hydration mechanisms which are mainly coming from the Paris region of France. This fine-grained fraction results from a washing and mechanical sorting of grains process for excavated earth. The omnipresence of gypsum in the subsoil of the Paris region, due to its geological context, is reflected in the fine-grained fraction with the presence of sulphates. Moreover, the fine-grained fraction is also composed of quartz, calcium carbonates and clay phases. The tests have been performed on cement pastes composed of a blast furnace slag cement and the fine-grained fraction as a sludge with its inherent humidity. Pastes with different sludge contents leading to different water-cement ratios (0.5, 0.7 and 0.8) have been studied. The impact of the incorporation of the fine particles and the water contained in the sludge on the rheology and the hydration of the cement pastes has been evaluated using water demand tests, thermogravimetric analysis and isothermal calorimetry. Results indicate that the incorporation of sludge in cementitious mixes increases the water demand, accelerates the hydration reactions and contributes to the formation of additional hydrate phases probably associated with the presence of gypsum in the studied sludge.

Innovative technology for preparation of high-purity silica from vein quartz ore through S-HGMS coupling acid leaching process

In the present work, an S-HGMS coupling acid leaching technology was established to prepare high-purity silica using vein quartz ore. Firstly, the magnetic properties of different phases in vein quartz were investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and arranged the phases in terms of magnetic susceptibility: FeP2 > Al2SiO5 > SiO2 > Ca(Al2Si2)O8 > AlPO4. Those differences in magnetic susceptibility resulted from the spin state of electrons in the ions. After treatment using the S-HGMS process, weakly magnetic particles are effectively separated from silica particles, and the obtained silica concentrate contained SiO2 of 99.690% purity. Subsequently, lattice impurity ions were removed through a fluorine-free and low-fluoric acid leaching process. Under optimal conditions, the SiO2 purity in high-purity silica reached 99.954% and 99.990% in the two processes. The lattice parameters and volume of ɑ-quartz in high-purity silica obtained with low-fluoric acid leaching were less than those obtained with fluorine-free acid leaching. This difference can be attributed to the reaction between HF molecules and lattice impurity ions, resulting in the generation of coordination compounds. Meanwhile, HF dissolved SiO2 and opened the lattice impurity ions channel, promoting lattice impurity ions depth removal. This study established a complete set of critical technologies for preparing high-purity silica from vein quartz through the S-HGMS coupling acid leaching process, providing theoretical and scientific bases for industrial applications.

Development of Environmentally Ecofriendly Composites Based on Polypropylene/Bahia Beige Waste: Effect of Reinforcement Content on Physical, Mechanical, Chemical, and Microstructural Properties

This article presents the development and characterization of environmentally friendly composites comprising polypropylene (PP) reinforced with Bahia Beige (BB) marble waste. The composites were prepared using different PP/BB weight ratios and analyzed for their chemical, physical, mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed the composition of BB, which exhibited a significant concentration of CaO, indicating the presence of calcite and other oxides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of PP and identified calcite, dolomite, and quartz phases in the composites. Due to enhanced ceramic reinforcement, the composites displayed increased crystallinity with higher BB content. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated the interaction between PP and BB, with the bands corresponding to PP being replaced by bands related to BB as filler content increased. The density tests indicated a slight increase in composite density without deviating significantly from pure PP, which is advantageous for low-density applications. The hardness of the composites increased with filler content, while the impact resistance decreased notably. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the good distribution of BB within the composites and the presence of ductile characteristics on the composite surface. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) results revealed that adding BB up to 40% by weight increased HDT, whereas a significant reduction occurred at a 50% BB content. These composites demonstrated favorable properties for engineering applications, offering a sustainable solution through utilizing natural waste resources and contributing to Brazilian sustainability efforts.

Structural, Morphological and Physical Characterization of Carbon Fly Ash

Carbon fly ash (CFA) is the principal industrial waste byproduct from the burning fossil fuel (coal combustion) for the thermal generation of electricity. CFA is a gray or black powdery solid that is constituted mostly metal oxides (Al, Si Fe and Ca), unburned carbon (UC) and other inorganic substance. The management of fly ash has thus been a matter of concern given the requirement of the large area of land for its disposal and potential of causing pollution of air, water, land and effects on human health. Physical and chemical characteristics of fly ash is important, as these characteristics influence its subsequent use and disposal. X-ray diffraction, and fluorescence, scanning microscopy with an energy dispersive spectroscopy, FTIR, BET was the common techniques employed to characterize FA. Characterization by XRD analysis identified the presence of quartz, mullite and sillimanite phases; while the FTIR results allowed the identification of vibrational bands, characteristic of Si-O-Si and Si-O bonds. The EDS analysis coupled to SEM allowed verifying that the composition of the samples is consistent with the results sought and that the morphological characteristics validate the proposed methodology. Surface area analyses (BET) showed that the fly ash possess an active area of 6.02 m2 · g-1.&#x0D;

Synthesis of Rice Husk Nanosilica using the Hydrothermal Method

Synthesis of rice husk nanosilica was carried out using hydrothermal methods at various temperatures and times and their characteristics. The stages of synthesis include sample preparation, nanosilica synthesis, and characteristics. The reaction temperature variations used are 120°C, 150°C, and 180°C, and the reaction time is 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours then titrated using sulfuric acid until it reaches pH 7-8. XRF analysis results showed silica (SiO2) content of rice husk ash at 98.31%. Synthesized nanosilica has the largest particle size of 27.44 nm at a temperature of 180°C for 6 hours and the smallest size of 15.40 nm at a reaction temperature of 120°C and a reaction time of 6 hours. The nanosilica produced is multiphase, which is cristobalite, quartz, and coesite phases.

Effect of mixing ratios of SiO[formula omitted] nanoparticles synthesized from metakaolin on the physicochemical properties of ZnO/SiO[formula omitted] nanocomposites

Nanomaterials have distinguished themselves as an outstanding class of materials due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics compared to bulk materials. The physicochemical properties of nanomaterials can be improved by forming nanocomposites and manipulating different nanoparticles by varying their mixing ratios. In this study, ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles and ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites were produced using a sol–gel method based on the variation of mixing ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). The monometallic oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, SiO2) and the corresponding nanocomposites (ZnO/SiO2) were characterized using HRSEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, BET and XPS. Regardless of the mixing ratio of ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles used, the HRSEM pictures demonstrated a morphological change from the irregular and spherical forms produced for SiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles to rod-like shapes for the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite. The quartz phase of SiO2 nanoparticles, with a crystallite size of 43.67 nm, and the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO nanoparticles, with a crystallite size of 31.52 nm, were both synthesized, as revealed by the XRD results. As opposed to this, the XRD patterns of the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites synthesized with 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 mixing ratios showed a mixture of α-quartz (SiO2) and hexagonal wurtzite (ZnO) with crystallite sizes of 21.24, 29.56 and 15.36 nm, respectively. The EDS results confirmed the existence of Zn and O for ZnO; Si and O for SiO2 nanoparticles and Zn, Si and O in the prepared ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite, irrespective of the mixing ratios. The XPS results showed the existence of Zn in the +1 oxidation state in ZnO/SiO2 compared to single ZnO with the Zn2+ valence. The BET surface area indicates that the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites had a higher surface area (1:1 (39.042 m2/g), 1:2 (55.602 m2/g) and 2:1 (82.243 m2/g)), irrespective of the mixing ratios, compared to the surface area for the ZnO (8.620 m2/g) and SiO2(0.386 m2/g) nanoparticles. The mixing ratio of the ZnO and SiO2 nanoparticles influenced the crystallite sizes, surface elements oxidation states and morphology of the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite formed and the optima mixing ratio for the formation of ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite was found to be 2:1 of ZnO:SiO2 nanoparticles.