Confinement of zinc oxide nanoparticles in ordered mesoporous silica MCM-41

Mesoporous silica (MS) and zinc loaded MS composites have been synthesized and characterized using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal treatment of the zinc loaded MS composite lead to the formation of ZnO–MS composite. The well ordered uniform pore structure of MS (pore size ∼3.4 nm) is found to remain stable even after 30% Zn loading albeit decrease in the pore size 1.2 nm indicates the formation of ZnO inside the pores.

We report the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles inside the mesoporous silica (MS), MCM-41 using solvent free method. TEM and electron diffraction image of ZnO–MS composite shows the fine distribution of ZnO nanoparticles. (A) HR-TEM image of ZnO–MCM-41 and (B) BJH pore size distribution plot of MCM-41 and ZnO–MCM-41 material.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► ZnO nanostructure have been prepared by using the mesoposorus silica MCM-41 without disturbing its porous structure.
► Absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy studies support the formation of ZnO nanostructure inside the pores.
► Transmission electron microscopy study and X-ray diffraction show the formation of ZnO nanostructure keeping template structure intact.