Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles prepared in gelatin media

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized via the sol–gel method in gelatin media. Long-chain gelatin compounds were utilized to terminate the growth of ZnO-NPs and to stabilize them. The ZnO-NPs were characterized by a number of techniques, such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-magnification transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ZnO-NPs calcined at different temperatures exhibited a hexagonal (wurtzite) structure with sizes from 30 to 60 nm. The influence of the calcination temperature on the morphology of ZnO-NPs was also investigated. The results showed that gelatin is an interesting material that can be used as a stabilizer in the sol–gel technique for preparing small ZnO-NPs.