Surface Modification of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Polyethylene Glycol under Microwave Radiation

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG), with high molecular weight of 1500 and 4000, on the formation of zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized by microwave radiation. Microwave heating was carried out at 2.45 GHz at 480 and 640 watts with 5s/15s on/off step time. The precursors used were Zn(NO3)2.6H2O, NaOH and PEG. Microwave radiation generates heat to activate the formation of ZnO nanoparticles where the morphology can be controlled by the addition of PEG, time and heating power. The formation of wurtzite structure of ZnO was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Morphology was investigated by a scanning electron microscope. PEG acted as a structure-directing agent or chelating agent resulting in the formation of rod-like and plate-like crystals. The average size of ZnO nanocrystals increased with increasing microwave power.