Characterization of ZnO nanoparticle suspension in water: Effectiveness of ultrasonic dispersion

Suspensions of ZnO nanoparticles in water were prepared with the two-step powder dispersion process using several methods of ultrasonication. The dispersion of ZnO was found to proceed by a fragmentation process, with minimum achievable particle size in the range 50 to 300 nm. This is consistent with other oxide nanopowder systems, in which most primary particulates still remain in hardened aggregates that cannot be further reduced. A submersible accelerometer probe was developed and used to measure the relative ultrasonic energy field in the liquid for the various ultrasonication methods. Oscillation at the expected frequencies was identified in each case, with strong variability at different locations in the liquid volume.