Synthesis and Characterisation of ZnO Nanostructure for Photocatalysis Applications - Research Proposal Example

Running head: SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERISATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED ZNO FOR PHOTOCATALYSIS APPLICATIONS Synthesis and Characterisation of Nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis Applications Course Tutor Date Abstract Nanostructure ZnO is applied in photocatalytic removal of trace metals, organic destruction, waste water treatment and removal of compounds considered to be inorganic. The advancement in one dimensional ZnO nanostructure for photocatalysis is a welcome gesture especially due to increased productivity as a result. This research proposal is well positioned as an attention seeker due to the rising research activities from the number of journalistic sources that are quoted herein. Particularly, there is need to narrow down into such a field as photocatalysis as most of the researchers deal with more diverse fields of study to disseminate their message. The synthesis and characterisation methods for nanostructure ZnO are highlighted with a majority of the methods that are affiliated to photocatalysis being diversely mentioned in this proposal. Nanostructure synthesis for photocatalysis is centred on methods such as chemical deposition, vapour deposition, pulsed laser deposition and electrochemical vapour deposition. Some of these are discussed by highlighting the basic techniques and apparatus for synthesis in order to aid in the understanding of their importance. Further discussion is carried out on characterisation techniques that are important for photocatalysis. The highlights that are made by this study should be expounded into a full blown report for the sake of bettering the understanding of this important phenomenon. Some of the characterisation techniques mentioned include: X-ray diffractometer, Proton-induced X-ray emission and UV–vis spectroscopy as the most important for photocatalysis. Synthesis and Characterisation of Nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis Applications Introduction The utilization of nanostructure ZnO has been on an upsurge especially since the inception of nanobelts during the onset of 2001. The versatility and uniqueness that ZnO nanostructures possess towards photocatalysis applications is largely a point of interest to the scientific research community in a bid to further applicability of the existing phases to achieve optimum functionalities. Synthesis of these nanostructures also varies due to the wide range of revolutionary innovations by the atomic science communities. The use of zinc sulphate precipitation method coupled with the sodium hydroxide and calcining by up to 2h has often been revisited by various researchers whose main aim is to establish the characterisation effects on the applications that matter in this technology. The study of synthesis methods and the characterisation parameters that they introduce to the nanostructures comes in as a handy study since most of the current studies have a generalised view of the whole issue. The main objective of this study shall be to narrow down to establish the synthesis and characterisation of nanostructure ZnO for photocatalysis application as an important idea based on the ever-increasing utilization of semiconductors for photocatalysis application. Joshi et al. (2011) argue that there is need to pursue the photocatalytic ability that emanates from these characterisation processes for the betterment of the ZnO nanostructures to give conclusions on the ones that are best suited in terms of method of synthesis. In a study carried out by Fan and Lu (2005), synthetic methods of characterisation that have been identified in a bid to clear the air regarding the resulting properties and their general applications with a focus on photocatalysis. It is therefore remarkable that this topic should be narrowed down to specific studies including characterisation of the already synthesised nanostructure ZnO in order to establish the best synthesis and characterisation methods for photocatalysis application. Overview of the Review Nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis is usually produced by a variation of methods that are aimed at optimizing cost and the end product for field application. This section shall successfully discuss ZnO synthesis with a bias of methods that are well-suited for photocatalysis such as chemical deposition, vapour deposition, pulsed laser deposition and electrochemical vapour deposition. As part of this review, the characterisation methods that are only important in the photocatalysis field shall be given importance. This shall be made possible through journalistic sources that are in this particular field of study. Synthesis of nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis Applications This research proposal seeks not only to investigate the most effective method of Nanostructure ZnO synthesis but also the broader picture that comes with the initial characterisation effects for purpose of application in photocatalysis. Yang (2010), states the techniques that are used in the synthesis of various forms of nanostructures with a bias to ZnO nanotubes which are basically responsible for photocatalysis. The full phase of nanostructure synthesis with such methods as chemical vapour deposition, pulsed laser deposition, vapour phase deposition and the electrochemical deposition formulae are highlighted. According to Sood et al. (2011), the growth of Nanostructures is an important phenomenon that is worth expounding for the general understanding of their significance and the initial characteristics that they impose on the ZnO nanostructures before the characterisation phase sets in. In addition to those synthesis methods identified in Yang (2010), Sood et al. (2011) also give importance to the induction heating method that is guised as important for photocatalysis applications. Fan and Lu (2005), identify the vapour transport synthesis method as the most common in terms of utility in the photocatalysis applications. The process of mixing vapour with ZnO varies from one laboratory to the other depending on the prevailing circumstances and technology in use during that particular time. Joshi et al. (2011) clarifies that this process should however be incorporated with degradation procedures in order to achieve the best quality nanostructure ZnO. The temperatures achieved by these processes are identified to be very high at 1400°C, a fact whose effects are yet to be ascertained by research. Feng et al. (2013) in their investigations of ZnO polariton laser at room temperature establish that there is actually an effect on the crystalline nature of the cavity exciton detuning during the fabrication process. In their experimental setup, they used SiO and HfO2 mirrors in order to achieve a maximum factor of around 4000 with regard to the maximum cavity. Wang (2004) confirms that the effects of local temperatures is very high and cannot go unmentioned for this particular process. The effects that temperature possesses on the diameter are greatly enhanced due to the thermal decomposition and crystallization nature of nanostructure ZnO. Study on fabrication of high quality microcavity ZnO nanostructures for photocatalysis has been enhanced by spectrophotometric study; a procedure that is worth applying in the case of nanostructure ZnO for photocatalysis applications. The vapour transport synthesis has been investigated over time by the likes of Fan and Lu (2005) whose drives were not far from finding out the effects of the direct methods of epitaxy on the end product nanostructures for photocatalysis. It is stated that the indirect products such as diethyl-zinc are responsible for N2O flow which in turn affect the quality. The application of carbonthermal method was also a point worth analysis amongst the methods for ZnO nanostructure fabrication due to reduction for recycling and lowered decomposition of raw materials. The synthetic tuning of the conditions required for vapour transport synthesis has given rise to other methods such as chemical synthesis that is worth discussion for purposes of photocatalysis nanostructure ZnO. According to Ashtaputre et al. 2005, chemical synthesis is a fast process for the production of nanostructure ZnO. Ha et al. (2013), demonstrate a reaction between zinc acetate and NaoH that forms Zn (OH) 2 which is in turn heated through microwave irradiation thereby giving ZnO nanostructure products that are well suited in photocatalysis application. Giri et al. (2011), however point out that high efficient chemical methods for nanostructure growth have been established with an ability to achieve higher purity especially where crystalline nature is important. This method also applies the aqueous method in way of preparation for the final stage of production which deploys restricted levels of substrate usage. Characterisation of nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis Applications Kumar et al. (2013) states that most of the methods applied in the characterisation of ZnO nanostructure for photocatalysis are; X-ray diffractometer, Proton-induced X-ray emission and UV–vis spectroscopy. Characterisation through X-ray diffractometer patterns which engage the hydrothermal process is highly effective for photocatalysis nanostructure ZnO. Ramimoghadam et al. (2013), showcase samples that were obtained in a study that applied palm olein template. Although this method does not apply well in photocatalysis, the concept is the same and worth noting due to the high crystalline and purity levels that emanate from it. Yang (2010), demonstrates the use of x-ray diffraction for the sake of lattice crystallization as atoms do not arrange themselves in a random manner. The distance formed between the lattices is worth discussion due to the orientations caused by them. Releasing a monochromatic ray upon the crystal lattice causes reflection on successive planes as per Bragg’s law. Varying these conditions disperse the resultant radiation thereby producing a characteristic pattern. It is therefore worth to analyse the effects of the synthesis phase on the final characterisation process since this is the major phase for photocatalysis application. Photoelectronic spectroscopy induces photo-ionization according to Kumar (2013). The specimen is illuminated for the core electron to absorb the X-ray photon in return. It is further stated that the core electron escapes in order to emit kinetic energy which can be determined by the X-ray version of photon energy. This process is also discussed by Ashtaputre et al. (2005), who insist that further equations for the analysis of this energy have to be developed in order to establish the alignment in advance. This shall aid in establishment of element peak energy for the purpose of checking the expected chemical shift within the nanostructure ZnO for high performance and quantification of chemical substances. According to Zoo et al. (2011) annealing the microstructure that result from photoelectronic spectroscopy transforms them to agglomerated nanoslices that are worth applying in photocatalysis due to enhanced photoluminescence and crystalline. Annealed nanostructures are worth discussion due to their high resolution crystalline nature that allows for application in areas requiring high accuracy. UV–vis spectroscopy is also referred to as photoluminescence Spectroscopy according to Yang (2010). This process has been under study for usage in the photocatalysis field through use of optical excitation. Numerous types of lasers have been established for the non-destructive characterisation of nanostructure ZnO. The pump laser for instance is utilized for pulse excitation of the emitted photons. Collection and analysis is affected by the bandgap which in return affects the morphology and microscopy of the achieved product. Emission of ultraviolet light through ZnO causes a band edge emission hence the singly charge state defect with low possession of oxygen (Wang, Zinc oxide nanostructures: growth, properties and applications, 2004). According to Sood et al. (2011), this results to photogenerated vacancies that make these particles worth usage for photocatalysis purposes. Conclusion Nanostructure ZnO for application in photocatalysis has evolved over time to become what it is now – sophisticated. The generation and characterisation methods are worth investigation in order to ascertain the scholarly position of the advancements that have been achieved in this field. Several journal articles have been studied in order to come up with a backing as to why this topic is important for research. Further studies on effective methods of synthesis and characterisation are likely to advance this field to achieve better and optimised functionalities within the photocatalysis applications that focus on these nanoparticles’ usage. References Ashtaputre, S. S., Desgpande, A., Marathe, S., Wankhede, M. E., Chimanpure, J., Pasricha, R., et al. (2005). Synthesis and analysis of ZnO and CdS nanoparticles. Pramana Journal of Physics , Pp 615-620. Fan, Z., & Lu, J. G. (2005). Zinc Oxide Nanostructures: Synthesis and Properties. California: Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science & Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science University of California. Feng, L., Orosz, L., Kamoun, O., Bouchoule, S., Brimont, C., Disseix, P., et al. (2013). Fabrication and Characterisation of Room Temperature ZnO Polariton Laser. Applied Physics Letters 102 . Giri, P. K., Bhattacharyya, S., Chetia, B., Kumari, S., Singh, D. K., & Lyer, P. K. (2011). High- Yield Chemical Synthesis of Hexagonal ZnO Nanoparticles and Nanorods with Excellent Optical Properties. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Vol. 11 , Pp 1-6. Ha, T. T., Canh, T. D., & Tuyen, V. N. (2013). A Quick Process for Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles with the Aid of Microwave Irradiation. ISRN Nanotechnology Volume 2013 , 1-7. Joshi, K. M., Patil, B. N., & Shrivastava, V. S. (2011). Preparation, Characterization and Applications of Nanostructure Photocatalysts. Archives of Applied Science Research Vol. 3 , Pp. 596-605. Kumar, S. S., Venkateswarlu, P., Rao, V. R., & Rao, G. N. (2013). Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Kumaret al. International Nano Letters2013,3:30 , 1-6. Ramimoghadam, D., Hussein, M. Z., & Taufiq-Yap, Y. H. (2013). Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanostructures using palm olein as biotemplate. Chemistry Central Journal 7:71 , Pp 1-10. Shet, S., Wang, H., Yan, Y., Ravindara, N., Turner, J., & Al-Jassim, M. (2012). Influence of S ubstrate Temperature and RF Power on the Formation of ZnO Nanorods for Solar Driven Hydrogen Production. New Jersey: The American Ceramic Society. Sood, A. K., Wang, Z. L., Polla, D. L., Dhar, N. K., Manzur, T., & Anwar, A. F. (2011). ZnO Nanostructures for Optoelectronic Applications. In O. Sergiyenko, ZnO Nanostructures for Optoelectronic Applications, Optoelectronic Devices and Properties (pp. Pp 173- 196). Shanghai: InTech. Wang, Z. L. (2004). Nanostructures of zinc oxide. Materials Today , Pp 26–33. Wang, Z. L. (2004). Zinc oxide nanostructures: growth, properties and applications. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter , Pp 830-858. Yang, L. L. (2010). Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanostructures. Norrköping: Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University. Zou, C. W., Yan, X. D., Chen, R. Q., Wu, Z. Y., Alyamani, A., & Gao, W. (2011). Effect of annealing on the microstructure and optical properties of ZnO/ V2O5composite. Applied Physics Letters 98 . Read More

Overview of the Review Nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis is usually produced by a variation of methods that are aimed at optimizing cost and the end product for field application. This section shall successfully discuss ZnO synthesis with a bias of methods that are well-suited for photocatalysis such as chemical deposition, vapour deposition, pulsed laser deposition and electrochemical vapour deposition. As part of this review, the characterisation methods that are only important in the photocatalysis field shall be given importance.

This shall be made possible through journalistic sources that are in this particular field of study. Synthesis of nanostructure ZnO for Photocatalysis Applications This research proposal seeks not only to investigate the most effective method of Nanostructure ZnO synthesis but also the broader picture that comes with the initial characterisation effects for purpose of application in photocatalysis. Yang (2010), states the techniques that are used in the synthesis of various forms of nanostructures with a bias to ZnO nanotubes which are basically responsible for photocatalysis.

The full phase of nanostructure synthesis with such methods as chemical vapour deposition, pulsed laser deposition, vapour phase deposition and the electrochemical deposition formulae are highlighted. According to Sood et al. (2011), the growth of Nanostructures is an important phenomenon that is worth expounding for the general understanding of their significance and the initial characteristics that they impose on the ZnO nanostructures before the characterisation phase sets in. In addition to those synthesis methods identified in Yang (2010), Sood et al. (2011) also give importance to the induction heating method that is guised as important for photocatalysis applications.

Fan and Lu (2005), identify the vapour transport synthesis method as the most common in terms of utility in the photocatalysis applications. The process of mixing vapour with ZnO varies from one laboratory to the other depending on the prevailing circumstances and technology in use during that particular time. Joshi et al. (2011) clarifies that this process should however be incorporated with degradation procedures in order to achieve the best quality nanostructure ZnO. The temperatures achieved by these processes are identified to be very high at 1400°C, a fact whose effects are yet to be ascertained by research.

Feng et al. (2013) in their investigations of ZnO polariton laser at room temperature establish that there is actually an effect on the crystalline nature of the cavity exciton detuning during the fabrication process. In their experimental setup, they used SiO and HfO2 mirrors in order to achieve a maximum factor of around 4000 with regard to the maximum cavity. Wang (2004) confirms that the effects of local temperatures is very high and cannot go unmentioned for this particular process. The effects that temperature possesses on the diameter are greatly enhanced due to the thermal decomposition and crystallization nature of nanostructure ZnO.

Study on fabrication of high quality microcavity ZnO nanostructures for photocatalysis has been enhanced by spectrophotometric study; a procedure that is worth applying in the case of nanostructure ZnO for photocatalysis applications. The vapour transport synthesis has been investigated over time by the likes of Fan and Lu (2005) whose drives were not far from finding out the effects of the direct methods of epitaxy on the end product nanostructures for photocatalysis. It is stated that the indirect products such as diethyl-zinc are responsible for N2O flow which in turn affect the quality.

The application of carbonthermal method was also a point worth analysis amongst the methods for ZnO nanostructure fabrication due to reduction for recycling and lowered decomposition of raw materials. The synthetic tuning of the conditions required for vapour transport synthesis has given rise to other methods such as chemical synthesis that is worth discussion for purposes of photocatalysis nanostructure ZnO.

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