Zinc Oxide Composites Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Polycaprolactone / Graphene / Zinc Oxide Composites

Biodegradable composite from polycaprolactone (PCL) and Graphene/zinc oxide (Graphene/ZnO) is studied. The Graphene/ZnO content is at 0.5%, 1.5% in PCL. Neat PCL and composites were characterized by microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal properties. Scanning electron micrographs show that the additive has agglomerated in PCL/Graphene/ZnO. Agglomeration of the filler results in reduced tensile properties of the composite. The result from XRD indicates Graphene/ZnO can improve the crystallinity of PCL. According to the results of buried soil test and analysis, Graphene/ZnO can reduce the biodegradation rate of PCL and make the material more durable. This new biodegradable composite material can be used as a new environmentally friendly material.

Efficiency evaluation of some novel disinfectants and anti-bacterial nanocomposite on zoonotic bacterial pathogens in commercial Mallard duck pens for efficient control.

Objective:This work aimed to detect the frequency of pathogenic bacteria of zoonotic importance in ducks’ dropping, their surrounding environment, and farmworkers in contact with them. Furthermore, the susceptibility pattern of isolated bacteria to antimicrobial drugs and the efficiency of disinfectants (CID 20, Durak® plus, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nano zinc oxide (ZnO NPs), and hydrogen peroxide loaded nano zinc oxide (H2O2/ZnO NPs) composites against isolated bacteria were evaluated.Materials and Methods:A total of 271 samples were collected from duck pens, including 35 fecal droppings, 200 environmental samples, and 36 from the hands of pen workers for isolation and identification of bacterial strains using standard microbiological procedures. After that, the antibiotic sensitivity testing of 40 bacterial isolates was carried out using disk diffusion assay. ZnO NPs and H2O2/ZnO NPs were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectrum and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The efficacy of disinfectants and nanocomposites was evaluated against enteropathogenic bacteria using the broth macro-dilution method.Results:The results showed that the overall prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in duck pens was 62.73. The highest isolation rate was detected in duck fecal droppings (100%), while Escherichia coli was found to be the most isolated pathogen (56.47%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.8%), Proteus mirabilis (15.29), and Salmonella species (6.47%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in the majority of bacterial isolates. The efficiency of CID 20 and Durak® plus disinfectants against all bacterial isolates was highly susceptible (100%) after 120 min of exposure time compared to the effectiveness of H2O2 on enteropathogenic bacteria which did not exceeded 60% at 5% concentration. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of Salmonella spp. to Durak® plus did not exceeded 80%.Conclusion:The duck fecal droppings are the primary source of bacterial isolates. MDR isolates were susceptible to both CID 20 and Durak® plus disinfectants after 120 min of exposure time at a concentration of 1:100 ml. Besides, H2O2/ZnO NPs composite proved its lethal effect against all testing strains at 0.02 mg/ml after 120 min of exposure. Strict biosecurity guidelines are required to mitigate and prevent the transmission of potentially zoonotic pathogens through the farm environment and/or duck droppings.

Comparative study of chemically synthesized and low temperature bio-inspired Musa acuminata peel extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles for enhanced visible-photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater treatment

Zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via chemical and green, environmentally-benign methods. The work highlights the valorization of banana peel (BP) waste extract as the reducing and capping agents to produce pure, low temperature, highly crystalline, and effective ZnO nanoparticles with superior photocatalytic activities for the removal of hazardous Basic Blue 9 (BB9), crystal violet (CV), and cresol red (CR) dyes in comparison to chemically synthesized ZnO. Their formation and morphologies were verified by various optical spectroscopic and electron microscopic techniques. XRD results revealed that the biosynthesized ZnO exhibited 15.3 nm crystallite size when determined by Scherrer equation, which was smaller than the chemically synthesized ZnO. The FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of biomolecules in the green-mediated catalyst. EDX and XPS analyses verified the purity and chemical composition of ZnO. Nitrogen sorption analysis affirmed the high surface area of bio-inspired ZnO. Maximum removal efficiencies were achieved with 30 mg green ZnO catalyst, 2.0 × 10−5 M BB9 solution, alkaline pH 12, and irradiation time 90 min. Green-mediated ZnO showed superior photodegradation efficiency and reusability than chemically synthesized ZnO. Therefore, this economical, environment-friendly photocatalyst is applicable for the removal of organic contaminants in wastewater treatment under visible light irradiation.

Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared by Laser Ablation in a Decomposition Reaction of Rhodamine B

The development of the routes for synthesizing photocatalysts and the methods for investigating their properties is very appealing for applications in ecology and renewable energy production. Zinc oxide is one of the promising photocatalytic materials. In this study, ZnO nanopowders are produced by pulsed laser ablation (Nd:YAG laser, 1064 nm, 7 ns) in water and air, followed by their heat treatment. The structure and composition of the resulting powders are examined using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. The nature of the defect states of nanoparticles is investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy. Their photocatalytic activity is tested during photodegradation of Rhodamine B under excitation by the broadband visible and UV-visible light. The influence of the composition and morphology of zinc oxide and the nature of defect states on its photocatalytic activity is discussed.

Ultrasound-enhanced preparation and photocatalytic properties of graphene-ZnO nanorod composite

This paper studies the preparation and photocatalytic properties of graphene- ZnO nanorod composite with ultrasonic treatment. Graphene-ZnO nanorod composite photocatalyst with good structure is prepared after ultrasonic treatment for 30 h at 30 kHz in distilled water-ethanol dispersant using ultra-fine zinc powder. The effects of different proportions of zinc powder and expanded graphite on the photocatalytic properties of the composites are investigated. Besides, the prepared Graphene-ZnO nanorod composite photocatalyst is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectrometer (Ra-man), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). It is found that ZnO nanorods in the composite exhibit a hexagonal wurtzite structure and are uniformly coated on the surface of graphene with a diameter of about 20 nm. The degradation efficiency of the composite materials prepared with different proportions of zinc powder and expanded graphite to methyl orange is quite different. When the zinc powder is 1.0 g, the photocatalytic activity of the composite is better than that with the same amount of zinc oxide nanorods. Results prove that the composite materials prepared with the appropriate proportion of raw materials show good photocatalytic performance, and the composite process is simple because it can be completed only under ultrasonic conditions. It breaks through the limitation of high temperature and high pressure in the traditional preparation process and has important reference significance for the development of zinc oxide composite in the field of catalysis.

Fabrication of Periodic Mesoporous Organo Silicate (PMOS) composites of Ag and ZnO: Photo-catalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange

Water resources are badly affected by industrial effluents containing organic azo dyes. The present study successfully synthesized silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) supported periodic mesoporous organosilicates (Ag-PMOS and ZnO-PMOS) for catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). Initially, methyacryl functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMOS) framed through tween-80 ((T-80) C64H124O26) templates by co-condensation of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (C10H20O5Si). Formerly, Ag-PMOS and ZnO-PMOS structured by adsorbing Ag and ZnO on PMOS. The synthesized PMOS, Ag-PMOS and ZnO-PMOS were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, Photoluminescence (PL) and TEM, which sign posted successful assortment of methyacryl, Ag and ZnO moieties in products. These materials found to have effective surface area proved by 81% and 48%, 47% and 57% competent degradation of MB and MO by Ag-PMOS and ZnO-PMOS respectively. Moreover, significant results of 71% and 45%, 44% and 54% reduction of MB and MO recuperated by recycled Ag-PMOS and ZnO-PMOS respectively. Substantial degradation competency and operative reusability of Ag-PMOS were superior than ZnO-PMOS due to better charge transfer capability and high durability. Outcomes of present work proved that Ag-PMOS and ZnO-PMOS have good catalytic properties for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) under visible lights.

Facile Synthesis of Silver-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures as Efficient Scaffolds for Detection of p-Nitrophenol

In this paper, silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using a solution combustion technique, in which zinc nitrate is used as an oxidizer and tartaric acid as a fuel. The phase composition, morphology and structural properties of the as-synthesized zinc oxide and silver-doped zinc oxide were established by using powdered X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. Due to well-defined morphologies and crystallinity, the pure zinc oxide and silver-doped zinc oxide nanostructures can be used as efficient chemical sensors for the detection of p-nitrophenol (PNP). ZnO was found to show a low value of the limit of detection (LOD), i.e., 2.175 µM/L, for p-nitrophenol sensing; moreover, a sharp decrease in the limit of detection was observed with an increase in the concentration of silver ions, and the LOD value decreased to 0.669 µM/L for 10 mol % silver-doped zinc oxide. It is therefore concluded that Ag-doped ZnO shows a lower limit of detection as compared to pure ZnO for p-nitrophenol sensing.

Preparation of Green-Emissive Zinc Oxide Composites Using Natural Betacyanin Pigment Isolated from Red Dragon Fruit

In this work, we reported the synthesis of green-emissive composite materials of zinc oxide (ZnO) and isolated betacyanin pigment from red dragon fruit (RDF) extract utilizing organic linkers, i.e. (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS). Betacyanin was extracted using a maceration technique, while CPTMS-ZnO and APTMS-ZnO were prepared by mixing ZnO and the respective organic linker in ethanol. The obtained ZnO/CPTMS and APTMS-ZnO composites were separately added into the RDF extract, followed by stirring at room temperature for 24 h. As high as 80 and 90% of betacyanin was successfully impregnated onto CPTMS-ZnO and APTMS-ZnO, respectively. A comparison study was made by preparing RDF-CPTMS and RDF-APTMS first and then introducing them onto ZnO. In this case, as high as 81 and 100% of betacyanin in RDF-CPTMS and RDF-APTMS, respectively, were impregnated onto ZnO. These results revealed that APTMS was a better organic linker than CPTMS and the order of the steps to introduce APTMS was important. The presence of betacyanin on the composite materials was confirmed by FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy. All the composite materials had an excitation signal at 426–428 nm and emission signals at 459 and 517–518 nm, demonstrating their promising application as green-emissive materials.

Melt Elongation Flow Behavior of Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Filled with Nanoscale Zinc Oxide

Abstract The melt elongation flow properties of low-density polyethylene/nanoscale zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) composites were studied using a Rheotens rheometer (Göttfert Werkstoff-Prüfmaschinen GmbH, Buchen, Germany). The die extrusion rate varied from 9 to 36 mm/s, the temperature ranged from 160°C to 200°C, and the nano-ZnO weight fraction range was from 0.2 to 4 weight percent (wt.%). The results showed that the melt elongation stress increased with the increasing elongation strain rate; the melt elongation viscosity decreased with the increasing temperature, and the temperature dependence obeyed the Arrhenius equation. The melt elongation viscosity of the composites with 0.4–0.8 wt.% nano-ZnO was lower in the whole composite system. Moreover, the melt elongation viscosity increased when the elongation strain rate was lower than 0.3 s−1 and then decreased with the increasing elongation strain rate; the melt elongation viscosity reached a maximum at an elongation strain rate around 0.3 s−1 and presented the stress hardening phenomenon.

One Dimensional ZnO Nanostructures: Growth and Chemical Sensing Performances.

Recently, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures have attracted the scientific community attention as sensitive materials for conductometric chemical sensors. However, finding facile and low-cost techniques for their production, controlling the morphology and the aspect ratio of these nanostructures is still challenging. In this study, we report the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) synthesis of one dimensional (1D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) and nanowires (NWs) by using different metal catalysts and their impact on the performances of conductometric chemical sensors. In VLS mechanism, catalysts are of great interest due to their role in the nucleation and the crystallization of 1D nanostructures. Here, Au, Pt, Ag and Cu nanoparticles (NPs) were used to grow 1D ZnO. Depending on catalyst nature, different morphology, geometry, size and nanowires/nanorods abundance were established. The mechanism leading to the VLS growth of 1D ZnO nanostructures and the transition from nanorods to nanowires have been interpreted. The formation of ZnO crystals exhibiting a hexagonal crystal structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ZnO composition was identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) mapping. The chemical sensing characteristics showed that 1D ZnO has good and fast response, good stability and selectivity. ZnO (Au) showed the best performances towards hydrogen (H2). At the optimal working temperature of 350 °C, the measured response towards 500 ppm of H2 was 300 for ZnO NWs and 50 for ZnO NRs. Moreover, a good selectivity to hydrogen was demonstrated over CO, acetone and ethanol.

Remarkable enhancement in sensor ability of polyaniline upon composite formation with ZnO for industrial effluents

Polyaniline emeraldine salt and Polyaniline Zinc Oxide composite are comprehensively studied to compare their sensing ability towards ammonia, acetone, methanol and ethanol. Sensing ability is evaluated through thermodynamic, geometric and electronic parameters. A number of orientations are evaluated in search for the lowest energy structure. The comparison of thermodynamic, geometric and electronic parameters of simple and composite sensors confirmed that composite sensor shows better sensing ability than simple PANI. Composite formation between polyaniline and zinc oxide is a thermodynamically feasible process with interaction energy of −42.8 kcal/mol. Both sensor shows highest interaction energy for ethanol among four analytes. Composite sensor shows almost twice the interaction with ethanol, methanol and acetone while 1.5 times the interaction energy for ammonia. The results of run simulations and subsequent calculations showed that in composite sensors, zinc oxide not only enhances the binding power of conducting polymer with analytes but also interacts directly with analytes. Strong hydrogen bonding as well as weak dispersion forces of attraction are responsible for the stability of composite and all complexes, as revealed by non-covalent interaction (NCI) studies. Acetone shows a different behaviour in composite sensor complex than other analytes.

Synthesis of ZnO@poly-o-methoxyaniline nanosheet composite for enhanced NH3-sensing performance at room temperature

Poly-o-methoxyaniline (POMA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) composites were prepared via in situ polymerization and characterized by thermogravimetry thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2 sorption measurement. The composites show different morphology when the ratio of POMA and ZnO varies. At a ratio of2:2, the composite shows thinner nanosheet structure with smooth surface and exhibits best response to NH3 at room temperature. TheZnO@POMA nanosheet sensor shows good selectivity and a wideresponse range (linear ranges from 0.05-1 pmm and 10-100 ppm of NH3). The lowest detection limit reaches 0.05ppm. The sensor exhibits good reversibility. Based on the testing results of ultraviolet diffuse reflection spectroscopy and Kelvin probe technique, the adsorption and desorption of NH3 molecules on the sensing material and the formation of p-n heterostructure between ZnO and POMA and their synergistic effects are further explained. More importantly, the sensor possessed excellent moisture resistance. The overall test results of ZnO@POMA show that the sensor has good practical applicability for detecting trace NH3 at room temperature. Graphical abstract.

Adsorption and Photocatalytic Study of Phenol Using Composites of Activated Carbon Prepared from Onion Leaves (Allium fistulosum) and Metallic Oxides (ZnO and TiO2)

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the adsorption and photocatalytic activity of activated carbon-based photocatalysts. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were chosen as semiconductors to prepare composites with activated carbon by the wet impregnation method. Activated carbon was prepared using as starting material onion leaves (Allium fistulosum) and as activating agent phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Photooxidation and batch adsorption of phenol was studied to compare the efficiency of the materials prepared. The results showed that the composite AC–TiO2 has a greater photocatalytic activity and a better adsorption capacity compared to AC–ZnO composite.

A theoretical/experimental probe to locate hydrogen(s) while constructing hierarchically structured cellulose–zinc oxide composite

To advance biomass-metal oxide composite synthesis, develop its interfacial chemistry and raise its performance in applications, specifying local structures and their effects are of great importance. Herein, a facile hydrothermal route was utilized to prepare a composite of renewable cellulose and zinc oxide. Microstructures from nanoscale to atomic level were examined with electron microscopy, spectroscopic technique and relativistic density functional theory. ZnO nanoparticles uniformly grow on linear cellulose nanofiber, affording an orderly hierarchical structure in general. Chemical interfacial coupling is computationally borne out. Three types of local structures with different hydrogen locations are energetically favored; notably the hydrogen-transfer one is most possibly occurring in the composite, whose interfacial interaction is dominated by orbital attractions and interfacial strength reaches − 5.06 eV. Electronic structures of the composite rationalized experimental diffuse reflectance spectra. The influence of different hydrogen positions in composite on various properties was discussed in detail. Experimental and computational characterizations unravel local structures of a typical cellulose–ZnO composite, which show different hydrogen positions. Hydrogen-transfer isomers are found the most possibly occurring, resembling the photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells. The interfacial nature and interaction strength as well as electronic structures are determined by hydrogen locations.

PVDF/ZnO composite films for photocatalysis: A comparative study of solution mixing and melt blending methods

AbstractHeterogeneous photocatalysis represents a solution for several environmental problems. However, achieving photocatalyst separation from reaction media on a large scale remains a challenge, one that might be overcome by the immobilization of photocatalysts into supports. To this end, composites of polyvinylidene fluoride and zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared by three different techniques: solution mixing (SM) followed by Nonsolvent Induced Phase Separation; and melt blending at both low‐ and high‐shear rates (LS and HS) in a rheometer and mixing chamber, respectively, to compare the resultant morphology in photocatalysis. Photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by methylene blue (MB) discoloration in a batch reactor liquid phase and by resazurin (RZ) reduction. The changes promoted by nanoparticle inclusion, processing conditions and UV effect were demonstrated by FTIR‐ATR, XRD, DSC, and SEM. Results showed that ZnO incorporation was successful under all processing conditions, providing effective photocatalytic composites. However, samples prepared by SM had a twofold increase in discoloration efficiency and fourfold increase in surface photoactivity, when compared with LS or HS‐produced samples, explained by its higher porosity of 88% ± 1.3%. The covering of the photocatalyst surface was also evident on SEM analysis for melt blended samples, further contributing to reduction in their photocatalytic activity.

Application of Modified PANI-ZnO Composites for NH3Gas Sensor at Ambient Temperature

Polyaniline and zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through inverse emulsion polymerization method and hydrothermal method respectively. For ammonia gas sensing using LCR meter thin film of the composite was fabricated by using spin coater. The functional groups, morphological, optical, structural properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles, polyaniline (emeraldine salt) and composites were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV- Visible spectroscopy and XRD analysis. The formation of ZnO particles of different shapes in the nano range was confirmed from UV-visible and XRD analysis. UV visible spectrum shows the formation of nanoparticles of ZnO. Thin film of Polyaniline/zinc oxide composites were deposited on the surface of copper interdigitated electrode. The fabricated device showed sensitivity to ammonia gas (NH3) at ambient temperature (300 K). It was observed that the resistance is decreases with the increase of volume of ammonia gas. The electrical properties were also investigated of the different concentration of nanocomposite. Optimum sensing response was achieved with PANI in the presence of 50 wt% ZnO nanoparticles. It may also be inferred from this study that the solution mixing process to produce composites has promising future if handled carefully.

Application of Modified PANI-ZnO Composites for NH3Gas Sensor at Ambient Temperature

Polyaniline and zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through inverse emulsion polymerization method and hydrothermal method respectively. For ammonia gas sensing using LCR meter thin film of the composite was fabricated by using spin coater. The functional groups, morphological, optical, structural properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles, polyaniline (emeraldine salt) and composites were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV- Visible spectroscopy and XRD analysis. The formation of ZnO particles of different shapes in the nano range was confirmed from UV-visible and XRD analysis. UV visible spectrum shows the formation of nanoparticles of ZnO. Thin film of Polyaniline/zinc oxide composites were deposited on the surface of copper interdigitated electrode. The fabricated device showed sensitivity to ammonia gas (NH3) at ambient temperature (300 K). It was observed that the resistance is decreases with the increase of volume of ammonia gas. The electrical properties were also investigated of the different concentration of nanocomposite. Optimum sensing response was achieved with PANI in the presence of 50 wt% ZnO nanoparticles. It may also be inferred from this study that the solution mixing process to produce composites has promising future if handled carefully.

Radiation stability and reliability of Cu–ZnO/P3OT hybrid heterostructures under swift heavy ion irradiations

Hybrid heterostructures (HH's) were prepared by depositing conducting poly (3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) polymer and Cu-doped zinc oxide (Cu–ZnO) composites films onto indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) substrate using an ultra-sonication cast technique. The weight percentage (wt%) of Cu–ZnO was varied such as 3 wt% and 5 wt% for heterostructure studies. In the HH's, P3OT works as hole-transporting and an electron donor (i.e. hole acceptor) material, while the Cu–ZnO was used as an electron-transporting and hole donor (i.e. electron acceptor) material. The radiation stability and reliability of HH's was studied by performing in-situ current-voltage (I–V) measurements during swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation by 80 MeV O6+ and 120 MeV Ag9+ ions at increasing ion fluences. Additionally, the in-situ capacitance-voltage (C–V) measurements at frequencies of 1 MHz and 5 MHz were also performed under both the ion irradiations as a function of ion fluences. It was observed that the SHI irradiation-induced secondary charged particles are mainly responsible for modifying the heterostructures properties by depositing energy in the hybrid layer, interfacial region, and ITO substrate. The modification mostly occurs in terms of irradiation-induced various types of defects at the interface of heterostructures. However, after irradiation, minor/insignificant changes in the I–V and C–V characteristics were observed reflecting the radiation stability and reliability of HH's. Therefore, this study may emerge out to be very fascinating for an in-depth understanding of the interaction processes exchanged by primary and secondary charged particles besides the possible applications in radiation harsh environment of such hybrid materials.

Carbon Nano‐Onion and Zinc Oxide Composites as an Electron Transport Layer in Inverted Organic Solar Cells

AbstractWe report a facile chemical method to synthesize hybrid nanocomposites containing carbon nano‐onions (CNOs) and zinc oxide or hydroxide. The structure, surface morphology, optical properties and surface area of the CNOs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and adsorption/desorption N2 techniques. For the first time, we demonstrate the fabrication of bulk heterojunction organic solar cell devices utilizing hybrid nanocomposites containing CNOs and ZnO as the electron transport layer. This configuration showed good photovoltaic performance with maximum external quantum efficiencies of 16.5 and 48.9% and power conversion efficiencies of 0.42 and 1.49% for the pristine ZnO and CNO/ZnO (mCNO : mZnO=1 : 4) layers, respectively.

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY STUDIES OF ZINC OXIDE, NICKEL DOPED ZINC OXIDE POLY(O-TOLUIDINE) NANOCOMPOSITE USING CHEMICAL OXIDATIVE POLYMERIZATION

Nanocomposite semiconductor material comprising Zinc oxide (ZnO), Nickel doped Zinc oxide and Poly(o-toluidine) polymeric composites were synthesized in two stage synthesis process. Solgel technique is adopted in the material synthesis of semiconductor particles of ZnO and Ni/ZnO (NZO), as well a proven technique of chemical oxidation of o-toluidine is attempted to prepare the semiconductor polymeric composites (ZPOT, NZPOT) and pure POT. The synthesized polymeric composites were characterized by (UV-Visible, XRD, SEM, FT-IR and TGA) spectroscopic studies. The addition of semiconductor material into the o-toluidine polymer resulted in a crystalline shape was confirmed from SEM image. Incorporation of metal oxide into polymeric composites showed a significant difference in the conductivity properties which were observed from DC conductivity studies.