Fabrication of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Based on a Novel Technique of In-Liquid Plasma

Abstract

Synthesis of nanoparticles with controllable properties remains a challenge. In this study, a novel plasma discharge method in liquid was used to solve this problem along with achieving a scalable and low-cost route for nanoparticle synthesis. Here, the plasma discharge technique in liquid was used to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The required high voltage pulses were generated by designing a Marx generator, and the effect of varying voltages of 8000, 10000, and 12000 V on the size, shape, surface area, and crystal structure of the formed zinc oxide nanoparticles was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the formation of a highly crystalline wurtzite phase of ZnO. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also revealed the characteristic vibrations of Zn-O. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs showed the formation of nearly spherical and uniform particles in the range of 5-50 nm. According to the results, increasing the plasma energy resulted in a decrease in particle size and reduced agglomeration. An increase in BET surface area (SBET)was also observed with decreasing voltage. The specific surface area of nanoparticles formed using a voltage of 12000 reached about 99. m2/g. Results confirmed that higher discharge voltages increase the plasma energy and produce finer particles with larger surface areas. This method offers a controllable, scalable, and environmentally friendly route to fabricate metal nanostructures with promising properties for photocatalytic and environmental applications.