Sonochemistry synthesis of zinc silicate ceramic nanoparticles and their characterization

Abstract

This research aims to present a sonochemical synthesis method for high-purity willemite nanopowders. Initially, zinc silicate hydrate nanoparticles were created using a modified sonochemistry method in which zinc salts and waterglass were used as starting materials to obtain zinc silicate precipitate under pH-controlled conditions (11-12) and Argon gas flux. Following that, the precipitate was heat treated at various temperatures. TGA/DSC, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and N2 gas adsorption characterizations were also used to assess phase changes, morphological properties, microstructures, and chemical composition. The formation temperature of a well-crystalline willemite monophase was determined to be 890°C, and this was supported by XRD analysis. The synthetized material had high homogeneity and excellent purity, according to EDX elemental mapping. Its nanometric nature was further confirmed by microscopic observations (SEM, TEM). Notably, compared to previously reported methods, the aforementioned technique uses a moderate synthesizing temperature, making it economical for mass production and potentially useful in a variety of industrial fields, including ceramics, paints, plastics, biomaterials, and composites, among others. EDX elemental mapping demonstrated high homogeneity and excellent purity of the material. Microscopic observations (SEM, TEM) further confirmed its nanometric character. Notably, the aforementioned method employs a moderate synthesising temperature compared to previously reported methods, making it cost-effective for mass production with potential applications in various industrial fields, such as ceramics, paints, plastics, biomaterials, and composites, among others.