A wrinkled ZnO/MCM-41 nanocomposite: hydrothermal synthesis and characterization

Abstract

ZnO/MCM-41 composites consisting of loose particles with an irregular, wrinkled surface and flower-like morphology were obtained by adding MCM-41 to a mixture of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine under hydrothermal conditions. The physical properties of this composite were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The XRD analysis showed the characteristic diffractogram corresponding to silica overlapped with ZnO peaks, with a reduction in the sharpness and peak intensity, which may be the result of spatial disorder and defects, combined with anisotropic preferential growth. The FTIR spectrum had the characteristic vibrations expected for a silica framework, containing adsorbed water molecules, nitrate ions, and Zn–O bonds. This novel structure may be of particular interest from both fundamental and applied perspectives. It can be advantageous for the adsorption and capture of small molecules. Therefore, it may improve the performance of some previously investigated uses for these ZnO/MCM-41composites, such as photocatalysis and adsorbents for pollutants removal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that wrinkled ZnO/MCM-41 nanocomposite obtained by a low-cost and easy method is reported.

Encapsulation of ZnO and Ho:ZnO Nanoparticles in the Core of Wrinkled Mesoporous Silica

“…For example, Burova et al reported the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles in MCM-41, where ZnO nanoclusters between 5 and 35 nm were formed in the mesopores . A ZnO/MCM-41 nanocomposite was reported where the mesopores served as a template for the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. , In these examples, the 1D mesopores are filled with ZnO nanoparticles, which reduces the surface area. There have been several attempts to either coat nanoparticles with wrinkled silica layers or prepared core–shell silica composite. − For example, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were coated with dye-functional wrinkled silica for drug delivery .…”

“…34 A ZnO/MCM-41 nanocomposite was reported where the mesopores served as a template for the growth of ZnO nanoparticles. 35,36 In these examples, the 1D mesopores are filled with ZnO nanoparticles, which reduces the surface area. There have been several attempts to either coat nanoparticles with wrinkled silica layers or prepared core−shell silica composite.…”