Growth of porous nanostructure of zinc oxide on alumina particles via heterogeneous precipitation

In order to control the surface area and morphology of zinc oxide, wurtzite-type zinc oxide was successfully grown on gamma-alumina particles via heterogeneous precipitation method using urea hydrolysis as precipitation agent. Bayerite seed particles were added to system as the alumina precursor during the precipitation step. Also, the effect of alumina particles and zinc oxide content on morphology, surface area and UV absorption were investigated. Microscopic observations evidenced the formation of zinc oxide nanoflakes and nanosheets on alumina particles. The surface area measurements proved a reachable high surface area for this presented system and approach.