Synthesis of hydrophobic nanostructured zinc borate from zinc carbonate, and characterization of the product

Abstract

In general, zinc oxide and boric acid are used to produce zinc borate. In this study, zinc carbonate was used instead of zinc oxide as the novel zinc source. The purpose of this study was to synthesize hydrophobic, nanostructured zinc borate (3ZnOÁ3B 2 O 3 Á3.5H 2 O) by reaction of zinc carbonate, instead of zinc oxide, with boric acid reference material, and with zinc borate reference material as seed. The modifying agents propylene glycol, kerosene, and oleic acid were used to produce hydrophobic zinc borate. Different solvents (isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and methanol) were used to obtain a homogeneous phase. The effects of different modifying agents and solvents on the hydrophobicity and nanostructure of the product were investigated. The synthesized zinc borate was characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Contact angles were measured to determine the hydrophobicity of the products and scanning electron microscopy was used to study both the morphology and nanostructure of the products. Hydrophobic, nanostructured zinc borate was successfully produced by use of zinc carbonate instead of zinc oxide as the novel zinc source. Use of different modifying agents and solvents affected both hydrophobicity and nanostructure.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorods from Zinc Borate Precursor and Characterization of Supercapacitor Properties

“…The XRD pattern of zinc borate exhibited characteristic peaks within the range of approximately 15 • to 70 • (JCPDS File No. 35-0433) [36]. In the semi-finished product, two distinct peaks were observed at around 25 • and 28 • , which corresponded well with the characteristic zinc chloride planes of ( 112) and (103), respectively [37].…”

“…In the final product, the occurrence of Zn-O bonds indicated the presence of ZnO. However, the relatively weak strength of the Zn-O bond is likely attributed to the presence of other impurities [36].…”

Improved Thermal and Fire Retardant Behavior of Polyvinyl Alcohol Matrix Using Nanocomposites

“…The peaks found in the region between 650 cm À1 and 750 cm À1 corresponds to the in-plane bending vibrations of trihedral groups of BO 3 . 27 The peaks originated from the Zn-O are found below 650 cm À1 . From the FTIR results, it is inferred that the ZB molecules are formed and matched well with the literature results.…”