A simple sonochemical approach for synthesis and characterization of Zn2SiO4 nanostructures

• Pure Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles have been prepared using simple sonochemical method.
• The effect of different preparation agents on the morphology and size of products were studied.
• By using ultrasonic irradiations, nanostructure with good size and uniformity was obtained.
• The photocatalytic activity of Zn2SiO4 nano and bulk structures was compared.

Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared via a simple sonochemical method, for the first time. The effect of various parameters including ultrasonic power, ultrasonic irradiation time and different surfactants were investigated to reach optimum condition. The as-prepared nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). The photocatalytic activity of Zn2SiO4 nano and bulk structures were compared by degradation of anionic dye methyl orange in aqueous solution under UV-light irradiation. Moreover, the cyclic voltammetry analysis of Zn2SiO4 nano and bulk structures were investigated.