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.