ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites obtained by impregnation of mesoporous silica

The synthesis of ZnO–SiO2 nanocomposites through impregnation of a commercial mesoporous silica with zinc nitrate aqueous or ethanolic solutions is reported. During thermal treatment the samples evolve toward the formation of nanocrystalline ZnO particles (zincite phase) dispersed onto amorphous silica stable up to the temperature of 700 °C. The nanoparticle size distribution is affected by the process parameters used in the impregnation. A narrower and more homogeneous distribution is obtained using ethanolic instead of aqueous solutions. At higher temperatures the samples evolve towards the formation of a zinc silicate phase.