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Article

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Abstract

The synthesis of zinc oxide through three routes was investigated; carboxylic acid chelation, polymer assisted synthesis in an alcoholic medium and slow thermolysis of precursor. In the case of carboxylic acid chelation, it was determined that the rate at which the precursor is formed has a significant effect on the quality of zinc oxide particles produced. Investigation of the effect of concentration, pH and species of chelating agent used on the purity and structure of product was undertaken. Examination of the composition and morphology of materials produced revealed the presence of single-crystalline spheres, the packing density and aggregation morphology of which was dependant on the chelating agent used. Polymer stabilised particles were synthesised in alcoholic solutions at room temperature and their stability to the addition of water was examined. Conditions were found under which particles of diameter <10nm, synthesised at room temperature, were stable after the addition of small amounts of water. The slow thermolysis of zinc acetate precursor in organic solutions yielded quantum-confined zinc oxide particles and it was found that these particles did not grow as synthesis time was increased. Particles of diameter ~=20nm, capped with both amine and carboxyl groups, were produced and the role of water in the growth of particles above the quantum regime was examined.