Solution combustion synthesis of ZnO powders using various surfactants as fuel

Single phase ZnO powders were synthesized by solution combustion method using various surfactants as fuel. The effects of hydrocarbon tail length on the combustion behavior, phase evolution, morphology, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity were studied by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. The specific surface area and pore volume increased with the addition of citric acid as auxiliary fuel due to the increase of released gaseous products. ZnO powders obtained by mixed fuels show higher crystallinity and specific surface area, leading to the higher photodegradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet irradiation. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity increased in the presence of ZnO powders prepared by the longest hydrocarbon tail. Highlights Different surfactants used as fuel in solution combustion synthesis of ZnO powders. Specific surface area increased by using the surfactants with shortest hydrocarbon tail. Photocatalytic activity increased with addition of citric acid as auxiliary fuel.