Expanding the synthesis of Stöber spheres: Towards the synthesis of nano-magnesium oxide and nano-zinc oxide

Liberty L. Mguni, Mbala Mukenga, Edison Muzenda, Kalala Jalama, Reinout Meijboom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to synthesise Stöber spheres of different diameters, fixed amounts of ethanol, ammonia and water were used with varying amounts of tetraethyl orthosilicate. This simple method was further applied to the synthesis of nano-ZnO and nano-MgO from their respective precursors, zinc methoxide and magnesium ethoxide. The spherical nano-SiO2, nano-ZnO and nano-MgO synthesised in this way were characterised by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Preliminary investigations found that nano-ZnO and nano-MgO showed good catalytic activity in the trans-esterification reaction that converts vegetable oil to biodiesel.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)91-99
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
Volume66
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2013

Keywords

  • Nano-MgO
  • Nano-ZnO
  • Precursors
  • Silica
  • Stöber method
  • Trans-esterification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • General Chemistry
  • Biomaterials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Materials Chemistry

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