Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Paper

Nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were grown on paper substrate made from Abaca hybrid 7 pulp. Microwave irradiation technique was used at power levels (180 and 540W) and exposure times (5, 10, 20 and 25 minutes). Chemical transformations were observed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The effects of the power levels and exposure times on the morphology of the nanostructures were determined using scanning electron microscopy. FTIR spectra proved the embedment of ZnO on the paper substrate. Power levels and exposure times affected the distribution, particle size and structure of the ZnO nanoparticles. Higher power level and longer exposure resulted to the formation of more ZnO with larger particles. Grainlike and flowerlike ZnO nanostructures were formed at lower and higher levels, respectively.