Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanostructures and Synthesis of Zn/Al2O3 Nanocomposite by Mechanical Alloying Route

Abstract

We report simple methods to synthesize Zinc oxide nanostructures, without using catalysis with less complicity. This was done by oxidation of zinc foil at various temperatures (200oC-1000oC) and various times (1-3h) and also we find that the nanostructures size and shape depends on heating rate, temperature and heating time. Apart from oxidation of zinc we also find zinc oxide nanostructures in Zn-C dry battery. This nanostructure is formed on inner surface of Zn container (which acts as anode). These nanostructures are formed due reaction between electrolyte (mixture composed of manganese (IV) dioxide (MnO2), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2)) and Zn container. In Zn–C cell we find hierarchical and rod like structures. From oxidation of Zn we find rod and leaf like nanostructures. These oxide structures were characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD and DSC. We also synthesized the Zn/Al2O3 metal matrix composite by mechanical alloying method, in this we use oxidized Zn at 800oC for 2h and Al powder in the stoichiometric ratio. The ZnO and Al is milled in planetary ball milling for 30h. During milling displacement reaction takes place and forms Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite. This nanocomposite is characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX and DSC.