Fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles confined in the channels of mesoporous carbon

ZnO nanoparticles have been incorporated inside the pore system of mesoporous carbon (MC) which has been synthesized by polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde via soft templating approach. 5–20% of ZnO, with an interval of 5, have been incorporated almost exclusively within the mesopores by simple wet impregnation, drying and calcination procedures. The pristine MC shows high surface area (600 m2/g) with large pore diameter around 7 nm. After impregnation of ZnO in mesopores, the pore diameter has been decreased from 7 to 6.24 nm which may relate to shrinkage of the framework or deposition of ZnO particles on the inner wall of the pores. With the increase in the ZnO percentage, the specific surface area and pore volume decreased linearly confirming the incorporation of nanoparticles inside the mesopores. TGA confirms ZnO confined in the pores of MC which also prevents the collapsing of mesoporous carbon framework upto 325 °C. Interestingly, the graphitic nature of MC remains same even after impregnation of ZnO nanoparticles inside the pores. However, we strongly believe that this novel composite of ZnO and MC may play significant role in the application like oxygen reduction reactions, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, optoelectronics, catalysis and many more.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► ZnO has been incorporated first time in the mesoporous carbon (MC) which has been synthesized via soft templating approach ► This particular MC is having open pore structure and also inert in nature, the ZnO inside the pore will be less affected by physiological conditions. ► Impregnation of ZnO in pores of MCs will make the material more environmentally safe.