Zinc Oxide Synthesis Lab Report

Typically, the zinc oxide is synthesized by several methods (ref); out of these the co-precipitation reaction is one of simple method. Addition of aqueous alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide to the zinc salt solution forms whitish gelatinous precipitate of zinc hydroxide; on dehydration it gets converts to zinc oxide. The mentioned process of synthesis for zinc oxide, we have been modified in such way that, the zinc Oxide –silica -silver composite was synthesized in one pot-one step reaction. In present work we have replaced sodium hydroxide with alkaline solution of sodium silicate. On addition of alkaline solution of sodium silicate to metal salt solution, the alkaline nature of solution converts the Zinc to zinc oxide, at same