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Zinc nanostructures for oxygen scavenging.
S Calderon V1, B Gomes, P J Ferreira
1University of Minho, Department of Physics, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal. sandra.carvalho@fisica.uminho.pt.
Nanoscale
|April 12, 2017
Summary
This study shows that humidity activates zinc (Zn) nanoparticles on carbon as oxygen scavengers. These moisture-activated nano-scavengers form a protective layer and are suitable for high humidity applications like food packaging.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Zinc (Zn) nanostructures on carbon substrates are investigated for oxygen scavenging.
- Understanding their oxidation behavior is crucial for material utilization.
- Surface passivation creates a Zn-ZnO core-shell structure, offering a protective layer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the oxidation of carbon-supported Zn nanostructures.
- To investigate their potential as oxygen scavenging materials activated by relative humidity (RH).
- To explore their suitability for high RH applications.
Main Methods:
- Magnetron sputtering was used to produce Zn nano-islands on carbon substrates.
- Oxidation rates were studied for nanoparticles ranging from 5 to 18 nm.
- The influence of high relative humidity on oxidation kinetics was examined.
Main Results:
- Oxidation rate was independent of nanoparticle size and orientation.
- Oxidation kinetics showed partial deviation from the Cabrera and Mott theory.
- High relative humidity accelerated oxidation, forming ZnO and facilitating Zn consumption.
Conclusions:
- Moisture-activated Zn nanoparticles on carbon exhibit potential as oxygen scavengers.
- The Zn-ZnO core-shell structure provides a self-assembled protective layer.
- These materials are promising for applications requiring high RH environments, such as food packaging.