Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is an odorless solid with yellowish-grey appearance. ZnO particles produced through the indirect method are primarily in the size range of 30-2000 nm, although it is possible to manipulate particle sizes through different methods. Three different crystal structure is available for ZnO; hexagonal wurtzite, cubic zinc-blende structure, and cubic rock-salt structure. The morphology of ZnO particles can be spherical, needle-like or porous. Zinc oxide is a well-known semiconductor. ZnO also shows piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity. The heat capacity and thermal conductivity of ZnO are very high while the thermal expansion coefficient of the material is relatively low. ZnO nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial properties. Furthermore, zinc oxide is considered to be non-toxic to humans and animals. Application areas of ZnO nanoparticles are;

• Rubber industry (vulcanizing activator),
• Ceramics and concrete industry (water resistance, quick-setting cement),
• Pigment industry,
• Cosmetics industry (UV defense),
• Catalyst application
• Water disinfectant