Quantum-Sized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Within Mesoporous Silica (SBA-11) by Humid Thermal Decomposition of Zinc Acetate
June 2020
in “
Crystals
”
TLDR A new method successfully created tiny zinc oxide particles in silica for potential use in drug delivery and other applications.
The study developed a modified method for synthesizing quantum-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (~1 nm) within mesoporous silica (SBA-11) using humid thermal decomposition of zinc acetate. This approach avoided the need for alcohol reflux and basic solutions, preserving the silica structure. Various analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of ZnO into the silica without altering its mesoporous structure. The ZnO nanoparticles were shown to interact with the silica framework, preventing leaching and aggregation, and could be activated by UV light. This method was versatile and had potential applications in drug delivery, photocatalysis, and hair follicle regeneration.
