X-ray peak profile analysis of ZnO nanoparticles obtained from sol-gel synthesis method

Sol-gel synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles is the simplest method where particle size and morphology can be controlled via systematic monitoring of reaction parameters. To accomplish the synthesis method, zinc acetate dehydrate (Zn(CH₃COO)₂.2H₂O) is used as a precursor, ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and methanol (CH₃OH) as a solvents, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and distilled water as medium. In the synthesis process, zinc acetate dehydrate and sodium hydroxide are separately dissolved in deionized water in two different vials. Sodium hydroxide solution is then added to zinc acetate dehydrate solution and mixture of ethanol and methanol are added dropwise using titration method. Zinc oxide nanoparticles so obtained are characterized by using UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Results obtained from UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy measurements for both the solution and thin film are used to calculate absorbance, absorption coefficient, and bandgap of the material. Similarly, data obtained from XRD measurement are used to complete peak profile analysis. Using peak profile analysis, we approximate size of nanoparticles, their crystallinity and their crystal structure. We also calculate crystallite size of the nanoparticles, interplanar spacing, and lattice constants of the nanoparticles.