Reliable preparation of ZnO nanoparticles by different synthesis methods for bactericidal applications

Daniela Barrera, Natalia Pino, Diana López and Robison Buitrago-Sierra

Abstract

This study evaluated three different synthesis methods to obtain ZnO nanoparticles. The structural and morphological properties of the latter were characterised by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The chemical composition of the particles was identified by energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS), and UV–vis spectroscopy was employed to characterise them. As a result, interesting differences in morphology and size were revealed. X-ray diffraction showed differences in the chemical structure and crystallite size of the ZnO powders. The morphologies obtained and analysed in this study present several forms, such as spheres and flowers, with particle sizes between 24 nm and 56 nm. These variations in the size and shape of the ZnO nanoparticles changed their bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli