Effect of different amino acid precursors in the green chemical synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles

In the present study, effect of different amino acids precursors in the green chemical synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles was investigated. Alanine, glycine and leucine were utilized as the precursor materials of a Zn(II) complex. The complex is subsequently heat treated to synthesize ZnO particles via a solid-state decomposition process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy SEM and TEM. Water is used as solvent and a biologically compatible amino acid instead of toxic amines is used as a nitrogen source. IR and X–ray diffraction analyses proved that ZnO was achieved as a unique phase. SEM and TEM images confirmed the relation between the precursor, the degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size. Alanine, glycine and leucine precursors lead to form ZnO nanoparticles with a size distribution of ۳۰, ۵۰, ۲۰ nm with circle, cubic and hexagonal shapes. This study emphasizes on green chemistry and synthesis of nanomaterials through ecofriendly methods to save our planet and its reservoirs for future and next generations

Keywords:

ZnO , Green chemical synthesis , Amino acids , Precursors , Nanoparticles