Bio-friendly synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous solution at near-neutral pH and low temperature.
ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized using a new bio-friendly method. The experimental conditions are very mild: aqueous solution at near-neutral pH and 37 degrees C. The as-obtained nanoparticles show the stable wurtzite structure without the need of annealing. The two reagents used are aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate and buffer tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. This is a standard nontoxic buffer and inert to a wide variety of chemicals and biomolecules, therefore extremely satisfactory for biochemical reactions. Furthermore, this is a polydentade ligand which adsorbs strongly on one or more surfaces of ZnO inhibiting its crystal growth and yielding nearly spherical ZnO nanoparticles. Our objective is to use the crystallization method described here for further incorporation of biomolecules as additives in the reaction solution, aiming at the formation of ZnO with new physical properties.
Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung and Institut für Nichtmetallische Anorganische Materialien, Universität Stuttgart, Pulvermetallurgisches Laboratorium, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany. pitta@mf.mpg.de
Luciana Pitta
LP
Bauermann
Joachim
J
Bill
Fritz
F
Aldinger
D003080:Cold Temperature; D003460:Crystallization; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009566:Nitrates / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D012995:Solubility; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013499:Surface Properties; D014325:Tromethamine / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
D009566:Nitrates; D012996:Solutions; D017967:Zinc Compounds; D014325:Tromethamine; D014867:Water; C042103:zinc nitrate; D015034:Zinc Oxide