Parameters influencing stable colloidal ZnO from zinc acetate dihydrate using sol-gel method

Studies on several factors influencing the stability of ZnO colloids were discussed in this paper. Parameters such as colloidal and LiOH concentrations were explored to see the effect on the ZnO colloid's stability and characteristics. The ZnO colloids were prepared using the sol-gel method, and zinc acetate dihydrate was used as a zinc source. Distillation equipment was used to avoid moisture exposure so the reaction could be carried out under the ambient temperature. Lithium hydroxide was added to the mixture to experience crystal formation and form stable colloidal ZnO. Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) was used to investigate size distribution and solution zeta potential. The results reveal that the most optimum conditions to produce ZnO particles were at 0.14 M LiOH with a particle size of 27.7 nm. When colloid concentration increases, the particle size increases up to 2.57 µm at a colloid concentration of 0.3 M. The best results also showed that ZnO colloids tend to emit blue luminescence under ultraviolet light and go to yellow-greenish luminescence color after aging, which is stable for an extended period.