One-step, solid-state reaction to ZnO nanoparticles in the presence of ionic liquid

ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized in ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [BMIM]Cl) by one-step solid-state reaction at room temperature for short time. The structure and morphology of the products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whose results indicated that the sample was spherical in morphology with diameters of 15–20 nm. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra (PL) showed strong and broad green light emission. In addition, [BMIM]Cl could be collected and reused for subsequent reactions. This method provides a facile, one-step and low-cost route for the synthesis of nanostructures of metal oxides with potential photo-catalysis.