One-step, solid-state reaction to ZnO nanoparticles in the presence of ionic liquid

ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized in ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [BMIM]CI) by one-step solid-state reaction at room temperature for short time. The structure and morphology of the products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whose results indicated that the sample was spherical in morphology with diameters of 15-20 nm. The room temperature photoluminescence spectra (PL) showed strong and broad green light emission. In addition, [BMIM]CI could be collected and reused for subsequent reactions. This method provides a facile, one-step and low-cost route for the synthesis of nanostructures of metal oxides with potential photo-catalysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved