ZnO nanoparticle by solar energy and their catalytic application for α-amino phosphonates synthesis

A novel, simple, efficient, one step synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONPs) has been developed using concentrated solar energy. ZnONPs were synthesized by additives-free and calcinations-free methodology using zinc acetate and 1,4-butanediol. Concentrated solar energy acts as a duel energy source (radiational and thermal) for the nanoparticle synthesis. The structural and morphological details of ZnONPs were characterized by techniques like TEM. XRD, EDAX and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The prepared nanoparticles were in the size ranging from 10-15 nm with a maximum contribution of hexagonal and triangular nanoplates. Synthesized nanoparticles showed the greater catalytic applicability in the alpha-amino phosphonates synthesis. This method is greener, cleaner, faster and cost effective compared to conventional method. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.