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Published on: September 13, 2024
Defect-engineered ZnO and Fe3O4 nanoparticles for photoluminescence-based metal-ion sensing
K S Chaithra1, B Shwetha1, Mangesh S Jadhav2,3
1Department of Studies in Physics, Davangere University, Shivagangothri, Davangere 577007, Karnataka, India.
Biointerphases
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Researchers synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles using coprecipitation. These functional nanoparticles show promise for detecting lead (Pb+) and potassium (K+) ions via optical sensing.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoscale materials offer enhanced properties through controlled synthesis.
- Functional nanoparticles are crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles.
- To evaluate their potential for optical sensing of metal ions.
Main Methods:
- Coprecipitation method for nanoparticle synthesis.
- Characterization using FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and XPS.
- Photoluminescence studies for sensing performance evaluation.
Main Results:
- FTIR confirmed functional groups; UV-Vis showed bandgap energies of 3.3 and 2.9 eV.
- SEM revealed rodlike and spherical morphologies; XRD confirmed crystalline structure.
- XPS indicated high purity with Zn-O and Fe-O bonds; excellent optical sensing of Pb+ and K+ ions was observed.
Conclusions:
- Synthesized ZnO and Fe3O4 nanoparticles possess desirable structural and optical properties.
- The nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential for selective optical detection of Pb+ and K+ ions.
- This research contributes to the development of novel sensors for environmental and biological monitoring.
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