Zinc Oxide/ Silver Core Shell Nanoparticles (ZnO/Ag, 99.9%, APS: 80-100nm, Metal Oxide Core)

Zinc Oxide/ Silver Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Introduction

Zinc Oxide/Silver core-shell nanoparticles are composite nanomaterials that combine the unique properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag). In this structure, zinc oxide forms the core, and silver is deposited as a shell on the surface of the ZnO nanoparticle. This combination leverages the distinct properties of both materials, creating nanoparticles with enhanced performance for a wide range of applications.

Zinc Oxide (ZnO): ZnO is a wide-bandgap semiconductor (about 3.37 eV) with excellent properties such as antibacterial activity, optical transparency, photocatalytic capabilities, and high stability. It is widely used in electronics, solar cells, photocatalysis, and sensing applications. ZnO also exhibits UV-absorbing properties, making it useful in sunscreens and UV-blocking coatings.

Silver (Ag): Silver is well known for its antimicrobial properties, electrical conductivity, and plasmonic behavior. Silver nanoparticles have high surface energy, which makes them effective in catalysis, antimicrobial applications, and optical sensing. Silver is also used in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) due to its strong ability to enhance light-matter interactions.

Properties

Optical Properties:

The ZnO core exhibits a wide bandgap that allows it to absorb UV light and have photocatalytic activity.

The silver shell enhances the optical properties, especially in the visible range, due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), which allows the nanoparticles to interact strongly with light. This property makes ZnO/Ag core-shell nanoparticles ideal for use in biosensing, photonic devices, and catalysis.

Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties:

Silver nanoparticles are well-known for their antimicrobial effects, as silver ions can interact with microbial cell membranes, disrupting their structure and function. The silver shell in ZnO/Ag nanoparticles offers enhanced antibacterial properties, making them effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The ZnO core also contributes to antibacterial activity, further enhancing the overall antimicrobial effectiveness of the composite nanoparticle.

Photocatalytic Properties:

Zinc oxide is an excellent photocatalyst and can effectively degrade organic pollutants when exposed to UV light. By combining ZnO with a silver shell, the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO is enhanced due to the plasmonic effects of silver, which can improve charge separation and light absorption.

Electrochemical Properties:

The Ag shell provides high electrical conductivity, making ZnO/Ag nanoparticles suitable for sensor applications, particularly in electrochemical sensing. The silver shell improves the charge transport properties of the nanoparticle, making it ideal for use in biosensors and chemical sensors.