Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles

Description

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanopowder, also known as zinc oxide nanoparticles, is a nanometer-scale material widely used as a primary raw material in chemical, physical, and materials research in the laboratory. In everyday laboratory practice, this powder serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other nanomaterials, a base material for the fabrication of thin films, a catalyst, and an active component in the development of sensors, optoelectronic devices, and photocatalytic applications. Because its particles are extremely small, the material possesses a large surface area, making its reactivity considerably higher than that of conventional zinc oxide. Its presence is therefore essential for researchers who want to investigate surface phenomena, semiconductor behaviour, and antibacterial activity at the nanoscale.

The main advantage of ZnO nanopowder lies in its nature as a semiconductor with a wide band gap, combining good thermal and chemical stability with optical transparency, which makes it highly versatile in the laboratory. Its nanometer-scale particle size delivers an exceptionally high surface-area-to-volume ratio, so catalytic and photocatalytic activity is markedly enhanced. These characteristics also make it important for researchers who wish to study surface phenomena, semiconductor behaviour, and antibacterial activity at the nanoscale. The combination of high reactivity, stability, and transparency means the material can be relied upon across a wide range of experimental set-ups, from fundamental characterisation studies to applied device work.

In Indonesian research laboratories, ZnO nanopowder is a frequently ordered nanomaterial for thesis work and funded research projects in chemistry, physics, and materials engineering departments. It is typically used as the starting material for synthesising other nanostructures, for preparing thin films on glass or silicon substrates, and for testing photocatalytic degradation of dyes and organic pollutants. Researchers also employ it in antibacterial studies and in the fabrication of prototype sensors and optoelectronic devices, where consistency of particle size and batch-to-batch quality are essential.

Laboratory Applications

• Precursor for nanomaterial synthesis – the nanopowder provides a reliable starting point for preparing other nanostructures such as nanorods, nanowires, and composite materials through wet-chemical and thermal routes.
• Thin film fabrication – its nanometer particle size and good stability allow uniform films to be deposited on substrates, supporting research on coatings and transparent conductive layers in device prototypes.
• Catalysis and photocatalysis – the large surface area and wide band gap enhance catalytic and photocatalytic activity, making the powder suitable for degradation studies of dyes and organic pollutants under UV light.
• Sensor development – as an active component with semiconductor behaviour, ZnO nanopowder responds to changes in gas or chemical surroundings, which is essential when building and testing prototype gas and chemical sensors.
• Antibacterial and optoelectronic studies – its nanoscale surface activity and optical transparency support experiments on antibacterial effectiveness and on light-emitting or light-absorbing components for optoelectronic applications.

Specifications

• Brand: Nanografi
• Category: Nanomaterial
• Product form: nanopowder / nanoparticles
• CAS number: not stated in the product information
• Pack sizes: available in standard laboratory-scale pack sizes as listed on the product page
• Storage note: store in a cool, dry, sealed container, protected from moisture and direct sunlight

Handling and Storage

Store ZnO nanopowder in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and sources of heat. Keep it in a tightly sealed, clean container made of glass or compatible plastic to prevent contamination and absorption of humidity, which can cause agglomeration of the nanoparticles. When handling the powder, wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask, as fine nanopowders can become airborne easily. Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, avoid generating dust, and clean spills carefully. Keep the container clearly labelled and stored separately from acids and strong oxidising agents.