Structure and morphology transformation of ZnO by carbonation and thermal treatment

• Environmentally friendly and cost-effective method of high surface ZnO preparation.
• Morphology, structure and surface area of final ZnO can be controlled by the carbonation time.
• Core–shell ZnO materials were obtained.

The effect of the CO2 saturation time of the aqueous suspension of the raw, primary low-surface ZnO on material properties has been investigated. The materials have been investigated by means of the following techniques: XRD, TG/DTG coupled with MS, N2 physical sorption and SEM. The results reveal platelet-like hydrozincite as a product of saturation, which undergoes thermal decomposition to ZnO of the similar morphology. The modification of ZnO through the CO2 saturation results in essential changes of the morphology. During the subsequent thermal decomposition porous structure is created with a simultaneous drastic increase of the specific surface area. All these changes lead to the conversion of “common” zinc oxide into active zinc oxide.

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