Low-temperature synthesis of nano-crystalline Zn2SiO4 powders by aqueous Sol-Gel process

The willemite-type Zn2SiO4 was successfully synthesized by the aqueous sol-gel method using Si sols dioxide and zinc nitrate as starting materials instead of expensive organic solvent and metal alkoxides. The as-prepared nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The results showed that the calcination process of gel consisted of a series of oxidation and combustion reactions, accompanied by significantly exothermal effects. Highly reactive nanosized Zn2SiO4 powders were successfully obtained at 800 degrees C with particle size similar to 100 nm. By comparison, the aqueous sol-gel process was the most effective and least expensive technique used for the preparation of Zn2SiO4 nanopowders.