Semiconducting metal oxides have been frequently used as gas sensing materials. While zinc oxide is a popular material for such applications, structures such as nanowires, nanorods and nanotubes, due to their large surface area, are natural candidates for use as gas sensors of higher sensitivity. The compound ZnO has been studied, due to its chemical and thermal stability, for use as an n-type semiconducting gas sensor. ZnO has a large exciton binding energy and a large bandgap energy at room temperature. Also, ZnO is sensitive to toxic and combustible gases. The NO gas properties of zinc oxide-single wall carbon nanotube (ZnO-SWCNT) composites were investigated. Fabrication includes the deposition of porous SWCNTs on thermally oxidized SiO2 substrates followed by sputter deposition of Zn and thermal oxidation at 400˚C in oxygen. The Zn films were controlled to 50 nm thicknesses. The effects of microstructure and gas sensing properties were studied for process optimization through comparison of ZnO-SWCNT composites with ZnO film. The basic sensor response behavior to 10 ppm NO gas were checked at different operation temperatures in the range of 150-300˚C. The highest sensor responses were observed at 300˚C in ZnO film and 250˚C in ZnO-SWCNT composites. The ZnO-SWCNT composite sensor showed a sensor response (~1300%) five times higher than that of pure ZnO thin film sensors at an operation temperature of 250˚C.

We investigated the carbon monoxide (CO) gas-sensing properties of nanostructured Al-doped zinc oxide thin films deposited on self-assembled Au nanodots (ZnO/Au thin films). The Al-doped ZnO thin film was deposited onto the structure by rf sputtering, resulting in a gas-sensing element comprising a ZnO-based active layer with an embedded Pt/Ti electrode covered by the self-assembled Au nanodots. Prior to the growth of the active ZnO layer, the Au nanodots were formed via annealing a thin Au layer with a thickness of 2 nm at a moderate temperature of 500˚C. It was found that the ZnO/Au nanostructured thin film gas sensors showed a high maximum sensitivity to CO gas at 250˚C and a low CO detection limit of 5 ppm in dry air. Furthermore, the ZnO/Au thin film CO gas sensors exhibited fast response and recovery behaviors. The observed excellent CO gas-sensing properties of the nanostructured ZnO/Au thin films can be ascribed to the Au nanodots, acting as both a nucleation layer for the formation of the ZnO nanostructure and a catalyst in the CO surface reaction. These results suggest that the ZnO thin films deposited on self-assembled Au nanodots are promising for practical high-performance CO gas sensors.

We investigated the NO gas sensing characteristics of ZnO-carbon nanotube (ZnO-CNT) layered composites fabricated by coaxial coating of single-walled CNTs with a thin layer of 1 wt% Al-doped ZnO using rf magnetron sputtering deposition. Morphological studies clearly revealed that the ZnO appeared to form beadshaped crystalline nanoparticles with an average diameter as small as 30 nm, attaching to the surface of the nanotubes. It was found that the NO gas sensing properties of the ZnO-CNT layered composites were dramatically improved over Al-doped ZnO thin films. It is reasoned from these observations that an increase in the surface-to-volume ratio associated with the numerous ZnO “nanobeads” on the surface of the CNTs results in the enhancement of the NO gas sensing properties. The ZnO-CNT layered composite sensors exhibited a maximum sensitivity of 13.7 to 2 ppm NO gas at a temperature of 200˚C and a low NO gas detection limit of 0.2 ppm in dry air.

We investigated the effects of Co doping on the NO gas sensing characteristics of ZnO-carbon nanotube (ZnO-CNT) layered composites fabricated by coaxial coating of single-walled CNTs with ZnO using pulsed laser deposition. Structural examinations clearly confirmed a distinct nanostructure of the CNTs coated with ZnO nanoparticles of an average diameter as small as 10 nm and showed little influence of doping 1 at.% Co into ZnO on the morphology of the ZnO-CNT composites. It was found from the gas sensing measurements that 1 at.% Co doping into ZnO gave rise to a significant improvement in the response of the ZnO-CNT composite sensor to NO gas exposure. In particular, the Co-doped ZnO-CNT composite sensor shows a highly sensitive and fast response to NO gas at relatively low temperatures and even at low NO concentrations. The observed significant improvement of the NO gas sensing properties is attributed to an increase in the specific surface area and the role as a catalyst of the doped Co elements. These results suggest that Co-doped ZnOCNT composites are suitable for use as practical high-performance NO gas sensors.

ZnO wire-like thin films were synthesized through thermal oxidation of sputtered Zn metal films in dry air. Their nanostructure was confirmed by SEM, revealing a wire-like structure with a width of less than 100 nm and a length of several microns. The gas sensors using ZnO wire-like films were found to exhibit excellent H2 gas sensing properties. In particular, the observed high sensitivity and fast response to H2 gas at a comparatively low temperature of 200˚C would lead to a reduction in the optimal operating temperature of ZnO-based H2 gas sensors. These features, together with the simple synthesis process, demonstrate that ZnO wire-like films are promising for fabrication of low-cost and high-performance H2 gas sensors operable at low temperatures. The relationship between the sensor sensitivity and H2 gas concentration suggests that the adsorbed oxygen species at the surface is O-.

The NO gas sensing properties of ZnO-carbon nanotube (ZnO-CNT) composites fabricated by the coaxial coating of single-walled CNTs with ZnO were investigated using pulsed laser deposition. Upon examination, the morphology and crystallinity of the ZnO-CNT composites showed that CNTs were uniformly coated with polycrystalline ZnO with a grain size as small as 5-10 nm. Gas sensing measurements clearly indicated a remarkable enhancement of the sensitivity of ZnO-CNT composites for NO gas compared to that of ZnO films while maintaining the strong sensing stability of the composites, properties that CNT-based sensing materials do not have. The enhanced gas sensing properties of the ZnO-CNT composites are attributed to an increase in the surface adsorption area of the ZnO layer via the coating by CNTs of a high surface-to-volume ratio structure. These results suggest that the ZnO-CNT composite is a promising template for novel solid-state semiconducting gas sensors.

ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals (~5-7 nm in diameter) with a size close to the quantum confinement regime were successfully synthesized using polyol and thermolysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analyses reveal that they exist in a highly crystalline wurtzite structure. The ZnO/ZnS nanocrystals show significantly enhanced UV-light emission (~384 nm) due to effective surface passivation of the ZnO core, whereas the emission of green light (~550 nm) was almost negligible. They also showed slight photoluminescence (PL) red-shift, which is possibly due to further growth of the ZnO core and/or the extension of the electron wave function to the shell. The ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals demonstrate strong potential for use as low-cost UV-light emitting devices.

The hydrogen gas sensing properties of a zinc oxide nanowire structure were studied. Porous zinc oxide nanowire structures were fabricated by oxidizing zinc deposited on a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) template. This revealed a porous ZnO-SWNT composite due to the porosity in the SWNT film. The gas sensing properties were compared with those of zinc oxide thin films deposited on SiO2/Si substrates in sensitivity and operating temperature. The composite structure showed higher sensitivity and lower operating temperature than the zinc oxide film. It showed a response even at room temperature while the film structure did not.

This study is focused on the antimicrobial activity of cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa by the reduction and oxidation reaction of copper and zinc alloy metal fiber filter. Cu/Zn ion is easily makes radicals with molecular hydroperoxide. Especially, hydroperoxide radical shows strong toxicity to the strains. Plasma membrane causes conformational change when hydroperoxide radical binds to plasma membrane. Elution of copper ion from copper and zinc alloy metal fiber is detected in the cyanobacteria solution as 0.5 ppm, and that of zinc ion is 0 ppm respectively. Zinc ion is figured to form a hydroxide in the cyanobacteria solution and precipitated to form a sludge. The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the cyanobacteria solution was proved to be the index of antimicrobial level of Microcystis aeruginosa.

Background : For the green approach of nanoparticles synthesizing, plant based technology has been considered as cost-effective and eco-friendly mass production. The oriental medicinal crop, Kalopanax septemlobus (Thunb.) Koidz. (Korean name: 음나무), the deciduous tree and a family of Araliaceae. Endemic tree of Asian countries, K. septemlobus being used for the treatment of various diseases. Phytochemicals of K. septemlobus such as polyphenols has highly probability of reducing agent for biosynthesizing nanoparticles. Methods and Results : In this study, we applied K. septemlobus ZnO nanoparticles (Ks-ZnO NPs) with procedures including green approach one-pot synthesis. For the characterization of nanoparticles, UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM were used. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles, the aurface plasmon resonance were observed at 372 ㎚ in UV-Vis spectroscopy. The presence of functional groups which as a capping agent and formation of ZnO nanoparticles were confirmed in FTIR result. The crystallization and morphology showed by XRD, TEM and SEM respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles, was determined using Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under UV irradiation (365 ㎚) which resulted rate constant is (−k) 0.1215 with 97.5% of degradation in 30 min. Conclusion : The result shows that phytochemicals in K. septemlobus extract have a potential as a reducing agent to form ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO NPs are capable to degrade MB with in brief time.

Background : Panos extract is a mixture of four Panax plant extracts namely Dendropanax morbifera, Panax ginseng, Acanthopanax senticosus and Kalopanax septemlobus. We intended to use Panos extract for ZnO nanoparticles(NPs) synthesis and application for waste water treatment. Methods and Results : In the present study, we have synthesized Panos ZnO nanoparticles via co precipitation method. Characterization of the NPs has been done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. An average of 75% efficacy in degrading the methylene blue dye has been observed. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusion : The results shows that Panos ZnO NPs can be a potential eco-friendly and economical tool for waste water management in the current scenario where there an intense urge to remediate the polluted environment through novel approaches such as Nanobiotechnology.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial herb called as ‘Deodeok’ (더덕) in Korea. The roots of C. lanceolate has been reported to have some antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The chemically reactive saponins of C. lanceolata might be used as a capping agent for the surface of ZnO nanoparticle, ultimately making it a highly efficient photocatalyst. Methods and Results : In this paper, we report the one-pot green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles via precipitation method using root extract of C. lanceolata. The structure of green synthesized Cl-ZnO NPs was characterized using XRD, EDX, DLS and morphology using TEM. The FT-IR exhibited the information about the functional groups that capped the metal nanoparticle and the formation of metal NPs was confirmed by UV–vis spectra at 356nm. The Cl-ZnO NPs were evaluated for their catalytic activity by measuring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution under UV light (365 ㎚). The result showed efficient degradation of MB, which was degraded 70% within 30 min by Cl-ZnO NPs. Conclusion : This study proves that the green route synthesized ZnO NPs from the root extract of C. lanceolata are low cost, time efficient, bio-degradable and non- toxic. The UVvis spectra confirmed the synthesis of ZnO NPs from C. lanceolata root extract. The Cl- ZnO NPs mediated catalysis exhibited high photocatalysis rate in short time. Ultimately, the green rapid synthesized Cl-ZnO NPs from root extract can be used as an efficient

Background : Among medicinal plant sources, Abeliophyllum distichum is widely used in traditional Korean medicine. we report on the synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide particles by both chemical and biological method. Highly stable and spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles are produced by using zinc nitrate and Abeliophyllum distichum leaf extract. Methods and Results : Zinc oxide (Ad-ZnONPs) nanoparticles synthesized from Abeliophyllum distichum at room temperature by aqueous extract of dried leaf and stem. The plant endemic in Korea alone and it is a monotypic flowering plant genus of olive family, Oleaceae. Catalytic and toxicity effect against human keratinocyte and adenocarcninomic human alveoloar. Ultra violet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental mapping, X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were engaged to illustrate the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The Zn-AdNPs has the ability in catalytic action and the cytotoxicity agent against different cell lines as investigated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay Conclusion : The present studies reveals that facile approaching the biological synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by using the A. distichum leaf and stem extract, which is revealed that recyclable method. The method is well suited for the green synthesis and dual function molecule as reducing agent and stabilizing agent for synthesis of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles also showing promising biological activities.

In this study the optimum conditions for recovery of valuable metal in Electric Arc Furnace Dusts were investigated. 2M of H2SO4, 1~5 of solid/liquid ratio, 0~180 min of leaching time has been established for leaching condition, and for electrowinning, each of Pt, C, Zn, Pb anode and Zn, Cu cathode was compared respectively at pH 2, 4 and 6. The result of elemental analysis of Zn crystal, a lagre quantity of Fe and H has been observed with Zn and other heavy metal, therefore, impurities removing process would be requir for enhancing purity of Zn. As the result, about 60% of Zn has been recovered under condition of 2 M of H2SO4, 1:2 of S/L ratio at 120 min, and Pt or Pb for anode, Zn for cathode has been shown the highest efficiency of electrowinning at pH 6.

산화아연은 뛰어난 자외선 산란효과로 인해 자외선 차단 화장품에 널리 이용되고 있다. 최근 화장품용으로 쓰이는 산화아연은 자외선 차단 특성, 사용감, 광촉매 활성 저하, 분산성 및 안정성 등을 보다 우수하게 하기 위해 이산화규소 등의 물질로 표면처리 하는 방법이 시행되어지고 있다. 본 연구에서는 광 노화의 원인인 자외선을 차단하는 이산화규소가 코팅된 산화아연 복합 분체를 개발하였다. 화장품 업계에서 일반적으로 쓰이는 마이크로 크기의 산화아연에 사용감, 자외선 차단 특성을 보다 우수하게 하기 위해 산업적인 용도로 많이 쓰이는 규산나트륨을 사용하여 코팅하였다. 이산화규소를 코팅하기 위해 규산나트륨과 산의 가수분해 반응에 의한 수열합성법을 적용하였다. 제조된 복합 분체의 자외선 차단 효과는 UV-Vis과 in-vitro 측정을 통하여 평가하였다. 또한 화장품에 실제 적용 하였을 때의 실질적인 장점을 확인하기 위해 사용자 관능 평가를 통해 비교분석 하였다.

The characteristics of photocatalytic degradation of tar colorants such as brilliant blue FCF(BBF) and tartrazine(TTZ) with zinc oxide suspension was studied in a batch reactor under irradiation of ultra-violet ray. Photocatalytic degradation of TTZ with ZnO was more higher than that of BBF, and was increased with dosage of ZnO below 5g, but was nearly affected with initial pH of two tar colorants aqueous solution. Ammonium persulfate was more effective oxidant than potassium bromate which slightly increased the degradation of BBF, but not increased the degradation of TTZ. The photocatalytic degradation rates of BBF and TTZ were pseudo-first order with rate constants of 0.0066, 0.0092 and 0.015min-1 for BBF, 0.042, 0.077 and 0.110min-1 for TTZ at the dosage of 1, 2 and 5g ZnO, respectively.