ZnO Nanoparticles Research Articles

Physical and thermal improvement of bioplastics based on potato starch/agar composite functionalized with biogenic ZnO nanoparticles

This study investigated potato starch/agar-based bioplastics' structure, properties, and biodegradability by adding ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) biogenically synthesized using Coriandrum sativum extract. ZnO NPs presented crystalline structure, good optical properties, and a size of 6.75 ± 1.4 nm, which were added at various concentrations (419.66–104.23 ppm) in bioplastics and their presence was confirmed via EDS elemental analysis and X-ray fluorescence. The highest NPs concentration contributed to a smoother surface, while FTIR and Raman analyses suggested interactions between the NPs and functional groups of the biopolymeric matrix. ZnO NPs addition slightly reduced bioplastic transparency but significantly improved UV-A and UV-B blocking capacities. It also increased hydrophobicity, evidenced by a 22 % reduction in water absorption and a 55 % increase in contact angle. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that NPs raised the bioplastic's thermal stability. Mechanical property tests showed that ZnO NPs concentrations had negligible or negative effects probably due to the heterogeneous distribution of NPs, or the non-isotropic characteristic of the bioplastic. Finally, biodegradability assays in seawater and soil revealed over 43.5 % and 66 % degradation after 15 and 28 days, respectively. Therefore, biosynthesized ZnO NPs mainly enhanced the bioplastic's UV-blocking capacity, hydrophobicity, and thermal properties, offering an eco-friendly option for future studies/applications.

Enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO utilizing luminescent Y2O3 particles

Abstract This study explored the superior photocatalytic performance of the nanoscale zinc oxide-yttrium oxide (ZnO-Y2O3) based composite over ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). We investigated this by following the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB). The sol–gel synthesized Y2O3 and ZnO NPs were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The spectral behaviour and photocatalytic efficiency of the proposed composite were investigated by UV–vis spectrophotometry, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements, respectively. The results indicated the successful formation of Y2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles with desirable structural properties. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the MB solution was evaluated for different concentrations of the counterparts of the ZnO-Y2O3 composite. In particular, the ZnO-5Y2O3-based composite showed superior photocatalytic activity after 150 min of UV irradiation, achieving 98.4% degradation of the MB solution compared to the 77% degradation achieved by pure ZnO. Although Y2O3 alone does not exhibit photocatalytic activity, its combination with ZnO significantly enhances the photocatalytic performance of ZnO. This improvement was attributed to the luminescence properties of Y2O3. By elucidating this unique mechanism, the performance of photocatalytic materials can be significantly enhanced. In our study, the improvement of the photodegradation rate constant (kapp) of ZnO from 0.009 min−1 to 0.0242 min−1 demonstrated the promising photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnO-5Y2O3 based composite, opening up exciting possibilities for further applications in environmental remediation and other fields.

Synergistic Action of Rutin-Coated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Targeting Biofilm Formation Receptors of Dental Pathogens and Modulating Apoptosis Genes for Enhanced Oral Anticancer Activity.

Oral diseases are often associated with bacterial and fungal pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. This research explored a novel approach to addressing these pathogens by synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) coated with rutin (RT), a plant-derived compound. The synthesized ZnO-RT NPs were comprehensively characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, and EDAX techniques to confirm their structural composition. The antioxidant potential was assessed through free radical scavenging assays. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of ZnO-RT NPs was evaluated using a zone of inhibition assay against oral pathogens. Molecular docking studies with the Autodock tool were performed to elucidate the interactions between RT and the receptors of oral pathogens. The findings demonstrated that ZnO-RT NPs exhibited robust free radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, they showed significant antimicrobial activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 μg/mL against oral pathogens. ZnO-RT NPs also displayed dose-dependent anticancer effects on human oral cancer cells at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL. Mechanistic insights into the anticancer activity on KB cells revealed the upregulation of apoptotic genes. This study underscores the promising potential of ZnO-RT NPs for dental applications due to their strong antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. These nanoparticles offer a hopeful prospect for addressing oral pathogen challenges and enhancing overall oral health.

Intestinal incision site infections: Evaluation of antimicrobial-coated vicryl sutures in preventing postoperative infections

This research focused on the development of an antimicrobial polymeric composite coating of polyethylene glycol (PEG) infused with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and herbal extracts from Curcuma longa (turmeric). The synthesized composite is coated on a biodegradable vicryl suture via the dip coating method. Instrumental characterization, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was utilized to confirm the chemical composition and surface of the coated suture. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against bacterial pathogens, Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The water contact angle was measured to determine surface wettability. Degradation studies were conducted in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) to determine the coated suture’s longevity.

Calcareous soil modified with metallic and organic ZnO nanoparticles limits photosynthetic pigment accumulation and macronutrient uptake in Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)

Previous studies on the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles have mainly examined controlled agricultural settings, failing to consider their behavior in real agricultural soil. As a result, our knowledge of their environmental impact remains incomplete. This study was specifically developed to observe the comparative effects of metallic zinc oxide nanoparticles, zinc sulfate, and zinc oxide green nanoparticles at different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100mg of Zn kg-1 of soil) on growth parameters, the mineral content (N, P, K and Zn) in root and leaf, the content of chlorophyll a (CHLa), b (CHLb), and total (CHLt), and carotenoids in Swiss chard plants grown in calcareous soil. Leaf area and dry root weight increased by 23.27% and 46.20%, respectively, in zinc sulfate modified soil. Total chlorophyll and carotenoids also increased by 40.12% and 32.59%. The concentration of N, P, K and Zn in roots was 2.89, 1.74, 1.70 and 1.52 times higher, while in leaves, the concentration was 1.48, 1.44, 1.76 and 2.22 times higher in plants grown with zinc sulfate. The effects on plant growth can be attributed to the type of fertilizer used and its influence on macronutrient absorption in the soil. The utilization of zinc sulfate as a soil treatment led to elevated absorption of macronutrients and zinc, suggesting a connection between the fertilizer type and the crop’s agronomic and physiological reactions.

Growth, physiological responses, and meat quality of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers offered unprocessed Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal with or without conventional and green zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Feedlot finishing of beef cattle on commercial nutrient-dense diets based on expensive corn (maize), soybean meal (SBM) and other commonly used protein-rich ingredients is economically unsustainable, especially for smallholder farmers. Rich in energy and proteins, Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) could replace corn and protein-rich ingredients in beef cattle diets provided its problems of antinutritional factors (ANFs) and high fiber content that compromise animal growth performance are resolved. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effects of incorporation of conventional (C-Nano-ZnO) versus green (G-Nano-ZnO) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in the diets of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers supplemented with 20% MSM (dry matter basis). In a completely randomized design, 28 Bonsmara steers were randomly allocated to 4 experimental diets [i.e., Control diet without MSM (C); C with 20% MSM replacing corn (partially) and the common protein-rich ingredients (CM); CM with 25mg/kg C-Nano-ZnO (CM-C); and CM with 25mg/kg G-Nano-ZnO (CM-G)] each with seven replicates for 98 days. Performance variables, carcass traits, hemato-biochemistry, and meat quality were then measured. All data were analyzed with SAS using one-way ANOVA applying the GLM procedure, with diet as the independent variable, except for growth performance data that were analyzed as repeated measures. Results showed that while dietary MSM did not affect (P > 0.05) meat quality and serum biochemistry, it decreased body weight gain (BWG; P < 0.01), feed intake (FI; P = 0.001), feed conversion efficiency (FCE; P < 0.01), carcass fatness (P = 0.05), hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.05), cold carcass weight (CCW; P = 0.05), blood MCV (P < 0.05), MCH (P < 0.01), and neutrophils (P < 0.01) as it increased blood lymphocytes (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the harmful effects of MSM were attenuated by C-Nano-ZnO and worsened by G-Nano-ZnO. In conclusion, feeding of high dietary unprocessed MSM did not affect Bonsmara beef meat quality and serum biochemistry but compromised their growth performance, carcass traits, and some hematology responses, and these were alleviated by C-Nano-ZnO and deteriorated by G-Nano-ZnO incorporation. We recommend feeding commercial diets supplemented with 20% MSM, replacing corn and commonly used protein-rich ingredients, plus 25mg/kg of C-Nano-ZnO to feedlot-finishing beef cattle.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles doped Leucas aspera leaf extract and its photocatalytic applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been produced from the leaf extract of Leucas aspera by utilising a straight forward co-precipitation technique in a green synthesis strategy. The produced nanoparticles are examined by photocatalytic analysis, FTIR, XRD, UV–visible, and SEM. ZnO-related distinctive peaks were visible in the FTIR spectra. The XRD investigation verifies that the produced nanoparticles have a hexagonal crystal structure. Doped ZnO utilising leaf extract has surface morphology that is practically spherical in shape and has minimal aggregation, according to SEM analysis. ZnO-LA composite's photocatalytic dye degradation effectiveness against visible light irradiations is approximately 83%.

Investigating the Synergistic Effects of Nano-Zinc and Biochar in Mitigating Aluminum Toxicity in Soybeans

Aluminum (Al) toxicity limited root growth by reducing nutrient translocation and promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, particularly in soybean. The endophyte of root could be modified by plant metabolites, which could potentially alter the tolerance to environmental toxicity of plants in acidic-Al soils. To explore how they help soybean mitigate Al toxicity by altering root endophytes, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) at doses of 0, 30, 60, 90 mg/kg and 2% biochar (BC) were selected as bio modifiers, and Al2(SO4)3 at 19 mg/kg was used to simulate Al toxicity. We analyzed root endophytes and metabolites by high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that ZnO NPs with BC could bolster soybean resilience against Al toxicity by enriching soil nutrients, activating enzymes, and bolstering antioxidant mechanisms. We also observed that it enriched root endophytic microbial diversity, notably increasing populations of Nakamurella, Aureimonas, Luteimonas, and Sphingomonas. These changes in the endophytes contributed to the improved adaptability of plants to adversity under Al toxicity. This study highlighted the potential of using ZnO NPs and BC as a sustainable approach to combat Al toxicity, emphasizing the intricate interplay between plant physiology and rhizosphere microbial dynamics in mitigating the effects of environmental toxicity.

Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

Fungal diseases pose a major threat to global agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields, health issues and significant economic impact. Application of nanoparticles are being explored in agriculture because of its ecofriendly as well as enhanced antimicrobial properties. In this study, using an aqueous extract of air-dried tea leaves, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are synthesized and it was characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy and microscopic analysis. The growth inhibition activity of the ZnO-NPs was investigated against a phytopathogenic fungus, which was isolated and identified as Fusarium equiseti from tomato plant leaves. Our result showed that application of ZnO NPs at 750 ppm to 1200 ppm concentration range inhibited the growth of F. equiseti by 77.6% to 85.1% at 7 days of seeding the fungi in PDA media. Microscopic observation of the fungal strain treated with ZnO NPs showed that the presence of the nanoparticles agglomerates the normal hyphae of F. equiseti and formed curve tips and breakage of mycelia. Hence, our study shows that application ZnO NPs is promising approach for fungal growth inhibition and can be deployed to inhibit other plant diseases causing microbes in agriculture.

Electrocatalytic conversion of nitrate to ammonia on the oxygen vacancy engineering of zinc oxide for nitrogen recovery from nitrate-polluted surface water.

Nitrate pollution in surface water poses a significant threat to drinking water safety. The integration of electrocatalytic reduction reaction of nitrate (NO3RR) to ammonia with ammonia collection processes offers a sustainable approach to nitrogen recovery from nitrate-polluted surface water. However, the low catalytic activity of existing catalysts has resulted in excessive energy consumption for NO3RR. Herein, we developed a facile approach of electrochemical reduction to generate oxygen vacancy (Ov) on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO1-x NPs) to enhance catalytic activity. The ZnO1-x NPs achieved a high NH3-N selectivity of 92.4% and NH3-N production rate of 1007.9 h-1 m-2 at -0.65 V vs. RHE in 22.5 mg L-1, surpassing both pristine ZnO and the majority of catalysts reported in the literature. DFT calculations with in-situ Raman spectroscopy and ESR analysis revealed that the presence of Ov significantly increased the affinity for the (nitrate) and key intermediate of (nitrite). The strong adsorption of on Ov decreased the energy barrier of potential determining step ( →*NO3) from 0.49 to 0.1 eV, boosting the reaction rate. Furthermore, the strong adsorption of on Ov prevented its escape from the active sites, thereby minimizing by-product formation and enhancing ammonia selectivity. Moreover, the NO3RR, when coupled with a membrane separation process, achieved a 100% nitrogen recycling efficiency with low energy consumption of 0.55 kWh at a flow rate below 112 mL min-1 for the treatment of nitrate-polluted lake water. These results demonstrate that ZnO1-x NPs are a reliable catalytic material for NO₃RR, enabling the development of a sustainable technology for nitrogen recovery from nitrate-polluted surface water.

Physicochemical and therapeutic studies of microwave-synthesized ZnO and Cr-doped ZnO nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Highly stable Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Chromium (Cr) doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly studied for biomedical applications due to their low toxicity, biodegradability, and affordability. In this paper, ZnO NPs and Cr doped ZnO NPs have been prepared by a microwave method. The prepared samples were studied with their physicochemical characteristics and successively investigated their impact on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biocompatibility properties. Correlations between physicochemical and biomedical properties were assessed. The NPs demonstrated strong, concentration-dependent antibacterial effects against E. coli and X. citri, with maximum inhibition zones of 15.53 mm (PZnO), 13.33 mm (CZnO), 13.56 mm (ZCr2), 14.03 mm (ZCr4), and 15.0 mm (ZCr6) for E. coli, and 13.73, 13.46, 14.50, 14.70, and 15.26 mm, respectively, for X. citri. They also showed significant antifungal activity against A. niger and R. stolonifer. Antioxidant activity, measured via DPPH radical scavenging, revealed inhibition rates of 58.52–92.27 % (PZnO), 56.27–90.65 % (CZnO), 51–85 % (ZCr2), 54–87 % (ZCr4), and 57.75–87.59 % (ZCr6). Hemolysis assays indicated biocompatibility, with hemolysis percentages below 5 % for all NPs at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL. These findings suggest that ZnO and Cr doped ZnO NPs are promising candidates for biomedical applications, offering antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with minimal toxicity to human erythrocytes.

Preparation and characterization of dextran-modified ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanohybrid material for enhanced antimicrobial delivery and activity

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely used in various applications, particularly in antimicrobial products. Efforts to enhance their performance and efficacy, including copper (Cu) doping and incorporating natural polymers. In this study, dextran-modified ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanohybrids were synthesized and characterized using exodextran isolated from Leuconostoc mesenteroides TISTR 473. Characterization results showed that dextran binds to the surface of ZnO particles through CO⋯Zn and C-OH⋯O interactions, particularly at oxygen vacancy sites. The incorporation of dextran improved the antibacterial efficacy of ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles against bacteria related to fruit and vegetable spoilage, including gram-positive Bacillus altitudinis and gram-negative Achromobacter mucicolens. These findings highlight the potential of dextran-modified ZnO nanomaterials in enhancing antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility for biomedical applications, as well as their use in food packaging to extend shelf life.

Effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on healthy and psoriasis-like human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro.

The use of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in skincare products has significantly increased human skin exposure, raising safety concerns. Whilst NP's ability to penetrate healthy skin is minimal, studies have demonstrated that metal oxide NPs can induce toxicity in keratinocytes through direct contact. Moreover, NP's effect on common skin disorders like psoriasis, where barrier impairments and underlying inflammation could potentially increase NP penetration and worsen nanotoxicity is largely unstudied. In this paper, we investigated whether psoriasis-like human keratinocytes (Pso HKs) would exhibit heightened toxic responses to titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and/or silica (SiO2) NPs compared to healthy HKs. Cells were exposed to each NP at concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 500µg/ml for 6, 24, and 48h. Amongst the metal oxide NPs, ZnO NPs produced the most pronounced toxic effects in both cell types, affecting cell viability, inducing oxidative stress, and activating the inflammasome pathway. Notably, only in ZnO NPs-treated Pso HKs, trappin-2/pre-elafin was cleaved intracellularly through a non-canonical process. In addition, tissue remodelling-related cytokines were upregulated in ZnO NP-treated Pso HKs. The full impact of the observed outcomes on psoriatic symptoms will need further evaluation. Nonetheless, our findings indicate the importance of understanding the sub-lethal impacts of NP exposures on keratinocytes, even though direct exposure may be low, particularly in the context of skin disorders where repeated and long-term exposures are anticipated.

Enhanced Catalyst Recovery and Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue Using a ZnO/TiO2/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite: Physicochemical Characteristics and Environmental Implications

AbstractA facile wet chemical approach was adopted to synthesize zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron (II, III) oxide, followed by the synthesis of ZnO–TiO2–Fe3O4 nanocomposite via physical mixing. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to investigate various physical and chemical characteristics of the prepared samples. Furthermore, the catalytic reduction of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B) dyes was carried out using prepared nanomaterials as catalysts under UV–visible light illumination. It was observed that the degradation efficiency of the nanocomposite was equivalent to or slightly better than TiO2 nanoparticles and higher than ZnO nanoparticles against both dye solutions. Its removal efficiency using an external magnetic field is much higher than that of the constituent nanoparticles, owing to its higher saturation magnetization. So, the obtained results suggest that the produced nanocomposite can be employed as a high‐potential catalyst for reducing organic dyes and pollutants in wastewater treatments.

Dye-sensitized solar cells achieved with multi-layered SnO2/ZnO composite photoanodes through precise control of thickness and composition

AbstractThe spin coating is cost-effective, straightforward, and highly suitable for the large-scale production of solar cells. In this study, we report the fabrication of SnO2/ZnO composite films for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) using a simplified and cost-effective spin-coating technique on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates. This study introduces a new way of preparing a multi-layered composite thin film using a suspension containing colloidal SnO2 nanoparticles and ZnO nanoparticles followed by sonication and aging of TiO2-free high-efficiency DSCs. Our approach provides a facile way of obtaining a uniform film of tunable thickness with high reproducibility by adjusting the total number of coating cycles. The spin-coating process achieved a nano-sized SnO2-covered ZnO layer, contributing to enhanced conversion efficiency in DSCs. A specific number of seven coating cycles was identified as optimal for achieving the aspirational performance. Under standard AM 1.5 irradiation with an intensity of 100 mW/ cm2, the fabricated SnO2/ZnO composite films revealed an overall energy conversion efficiency of 6.5% with a thickness of 2.06 µm which is impressive for a TiO2-free DSC. This achievement indicates the potential of the developed fabrication process for cost-effective and scalable production of efficient DSCs with SnO2/ZnO composite.

Multifunctional scaffolds of β-tricalcium phosphate/bioactive glass coated with zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles

Incorporating nanoparticles into scaffolds with regenerative potential is a promissory strategy to provide them with antimicrobial activity. Bioceramics, such as β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and bioactive glasses (BGs), stand out among synthetic materials for bone regeneration. In this context, we report the incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide/copper nitrate (CuO/Cu2H3NO5) nanoparticles onto the surface of the β-TCP/BG scaffolds. This report addresses the physicochemical characterization of the scaffolds, their antimicrobial activity, and their response to MC3T3-E1 cells. Our findings show that the incorporation of both nanoparticles effectively inhibited S. aureus growth, including its biofilm formation. While the presence of the nanoparticles initially decreased MC3T3-E1 cell viability, cell proliferation improved with prolonged incubation. Overall, the β-TCP/BG_Zn and β-TCP/BG_Cu scaffolds showed an early antimicrobial response, aiding infection eradication, while also supporting cell proliferation over time.

The effect of varying concentrations of acetic acid on the structural and optical properties of semiconductor zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via the sol–gel method

The effect of varying concentrations of acetic acid on the structural and optical properties of semiconductor zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized via the sol–gel method

Microwave-assisted synthesis of Ag/ZnO/diatomite composites for photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene

In this work, a novel Ag/ZnO/diatomite composites was synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique and used for the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene. Various approaches were used to characterize the structural, morphological, optical and photoelectric properties of the composites. Photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene by Ag/ZnO/diatomite composites under visible-light irradiation was investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of Ag/ZnO/diatomite composites reaches 90.4 %, which is better than that of ZnO/diatomite composites and ZnO. Ag/ZnO/diatomite composites have a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.01543 min−1, which is 6.57 times more than that of ZnO. Through active species capture experiments, ·O2− and ·OH are the primary active species. Furthermore, the possible degradation mechanisms and pathways are proposed, the high performance of Ag/ZnO/diatomite composites can be attributed to the synergistic effect of ZnO, diatomite and Ag nanoparticles.

Optimizing photocatalysis: Tuning europium concentration in zinc oxide nanoparticles for superior performance

This work reports, improved photo catalytic performance of ZnO by band gap engineering via Eu doping (0.5–2.0 %). Single phase wurtzite structure of sol gel derived ZnO and Eu (0.5–2.0 %) doped ZnO are confirmed by XRD, FTIR and Raman spectra. Slight variation in structural parameter, FTIR stretching mode at 677 cm−1 and Raman E2 peak position indicate substitution of Eu+3 in ZnO. Calculated band gap decreases [3.05-2.89] with Eu concentration due to generation of charge trap level. Dye degradation of MO improved in Eu doped ZnO as compare to ZnO. The catalytic effectiveness is clearly shown by significant breakdown of a commonly used MO dye (at a concentration of 120 mg l−1). ZnO: Eu 2 % has a remarkable clearance rate of 99.37 %, which is explained by pseudo-first-order kinetics. The increase in oxygen radical ion concentration due to presence of Eu2O3 impurity phase in Eu 2 % doped ZnO supports MO degradation mechanism.

Study on the water and mold resistance of ZnO/polyurethane superhydrophobic coating on circuit boards

In this work, superhydrophobic coatings were prepared on circuit boards based on the susceptibility of circuit boards to harsh environments such as humidity and mold adhesion, leading to reduced service life. Firstly, cetyltrimethoxysilane and γaminopropyltriethoxysilane were used to modify zinc oxide nanoparticles with different particle sizes. Then polyurethane and modified nanoparticles were successively sprayed on the circuit boards with a spraying process, and the superhydrophobic coatings were finally produced. The impact of the zinc oxide mass ratio with different particle sizes, silane coupling agent content, and surface modifier content on the hydrophobicity of the coatings were investigated. The results show that when the mass ratio of zinc oxide (30nm) to zinc oxide (90nm) is 1:1, the silane coupling agent content is 12‰. The surface modifier content is 12‰, the hydrophobicity of the coating is the best, and its CA can be up to 169.5°, and its SA can be up to 2.8°. It exhibits good protection of circuit boards in the tests of adhesion, acid, and alkali corrosion resistance, self-cleaning performance, and anti-mold performance. Performance, so that the coating is in the future field of electronic equipment applications.