Today's Messages

Elissa Dojka, a student in the M.S. in Forensic Science program in the Department of Chemistry, will present her literature seminar titled “Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs): Synthesis, Properties, and Applications” at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in SAMC 151.

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and diverse applications of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, a material known for its unique physicochemical properties and broad range of uses in energy conversion, cosmetics, medical imaging, and other health-related industries. Three main synthesis routes were explored: chemical precipitation, high-energy ball milling, and green synthesis. Each method offers specific advantages in terms of cost, environmental sustainability, and control over particle size and crystallinity, making them suitable for various applications.

Complete characterization was conducted using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy (TEM and SEM), UV–Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). These techniques provided detailed insights into the structural, morphological, and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles.

Finally, the multifunctionality of ZnO was demonstrated through its applications in latent fingerprint detection and its antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiparasitic, and larvicidal activities. Overall, ZnO shows strong potential for future use in biomedical and forensic fields.