Advances in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Applications, and Future Prospects

Islam Uddin

doi:10.21467/anr.9.1.1-16

Authors

Islam Uddin Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, JMI, New Delhi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21467/anr.9.1.1-16

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multifunctional semiconductor nanomaterial that has attracted considerable attention due to its unique optical, electrical, piezoelectric, and catalytic properties. Its wide band gap (3.37 eV) and high exciton binding energy (60 meV) make it suitable for diverse applications in photocatalysis, sensing, optoelectronics, environmental remediation, and biomedicine. Recent advances in synthesis techniques have enabled precise control over the size, morphology, crystallinity, and surface characteristics of ZnO nanoparticles, significantly influencing their functional performance. This review summarizes recent developments in ZnO nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and emerging applications. Conventional synthesis methods, including precipitation, hydrothermal, sol–gel, electrochemical, and microwave-assisted approaches, are discussed alongside environmentally friendly green synthesis strategies based on biological resources. Key characterization techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, AFM, and UV–Visible spectroscopy are highlighted for their roles in evaluating structural, morphological, and optical properties. The review also highlights the expanding use of ZnO nanomaterials across a wide range of fields, including antibacterial and anticancer treatments, photocatalysis, sensing applications, environmental cleanup, and optoelectronic technologies. Furthermore, it examines key challenges such as toxicity concerns, reproducibility issues, and the difficulties associated with large-scale production.

Keywords:

Zinc oxide, ZnO nanoparticles, Green Synthesis

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

S. Bhosale, N. Kannor, N. Shinde, and N. Sahane, “Recent advances in zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and emerging applications,” Current Catalysis, vol. 13, no. 2, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.2174/0122115447323237241016100917.

J. Xie, H. Li, T. Zhang, B. Song, X. Wang, and Z. Gu, “Recent advances in ZNO Nanomaterial-Mediated Biological Applications and Action Mechanisms,” Nanomaterials, vol. 13, no. 9, p. 1500, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.3390/nano13091500.

D. Kirubakaran et al., “A Comprehensive review on the green Synthesis of Nanoparticles: Advancements in biomedical and environmental applications,” Biomedical Materials & Devices, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 388–413, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s44174-025-00295-4.

K. S. Ahmad, S. Yaqoob, and M. M. Gul, “Dynamic green synthesis of iron oxide and manganese oxide nanoparticles and their cogent antimicrobial, environmental and electrical applications,” Reviews in Inorganic Chemistry, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 239–263, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.1515/revic-2021-0033.

S. Jadoun, J. Yáñez, R. Aepuru, M. Sathish, N. K. Jangid, and S. Chinnam, “Recent advancements in sustainable synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using various plant extracts for environmental remediation,” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 31, no. 13, pp. 19123–19147, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s11356-024-32357-3.

K. P. Bhandari, D. R. Sapkota, M. K. Jamarkattel, Q. Stillion, and R. W. Collins, “Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles—Solution-Based Synthesis and Characterizations,” Nanomaterials, vol. 13, no. 11, p. 1795, Jun. 2023, doi: 10.3390/nano13111795.

M. K. Alam et al., "Morphological change of ZnO using hydrothermal technique and organic modifiers," Nano-Structures & Nano-ObjectsNano-Structures & Nano-Objects, vol. 41, p. 101436, Feb. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoso.2025.101436

F. Güell et al., “ZnO-based nanomaterials approach for photocatalytic and sensing applications: recent progress and trends,” Materials Advances, vol. 4, no. 17, pp. 3685–3707, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1039/d3ma00227f.

R. K. Sharma and R. Ghose, “Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by homogeneous precipitation method and its application in antifungal activity against Candida albicans,” Ceramics International, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 967–975, Sep. 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2014.09.016.

S. R. Brintha and M. Ajitha, “Synthesis and characterization of ZNO nanoparticles via aqueous solution, sol-gel and hydrothermal methods,” IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, vol. 8, no. 11, pp. 66–72, 2015, doi: 10.9790/5736-081116672.

S. Wirunchit and W. Koetniyom, “ZNO nanoparticles synthesis and characterization by hydrothermal process for biological applications,” Physica Status Solidi (A), vol. 220, no. 10, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1002/pssa.202200364.

S. Somla, T. Yingnakorn, T. Chandakhiaw, C. Longbutsri, L. Sriklang, and S. Khumkoa, “Hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from recycled ZnO obtained from electric arc furnace dust: morphology control and applications,” Scientific Reports, vol. 16, no. 1, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-39138-7.

M. Singh, D. Vadher, V. Dixit, and C. Jariwala, “Synthesis, optimization and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared by sol–gel technique,” Materials Today Proceedings, vol. 48, pp. 690–692, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.08.145.

B. Patella et al., “Electrochemical synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures on flexible substrate and application as an electrochemical Immunoglobulin-G immunosensor,” Materials, vol. 15, no. 3, p. 713, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.3390/ma15030713.

H.-D. So, S.-H. Jon, and W.-C. Yang, “Process optimization for electrochemical synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with respect to productivity and consumption using TOPSIS and Taguchi methods,” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 16619, May 2025, doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-01833-2.

H. Nasir, S. K. Zahra, A. Khan, Ahsan, and S. Naheed, “A REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE METHODS FOR SYNTHESIZING ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS,” Science Heritage Journal, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 27–37, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.26480/gws.01.2024.27.37.

M. El-Saadony et al., “Green Synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, and biomedical applications - a review,” International Journal of Nanomedicine, vol. Volume 19, pp. 12889–12937, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.2147/ijn.s487188.

M. Umar et al., “Green synthesis and characterizations of zinc oxide nanoparticles using acorn fruit extract for antimicrobial, larvicidal and in silico activities,” Scientific Reports, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 7072, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-36137-6.

M. Swain, D. Mishra, and G. Sahoo, “A review on green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles,” Discover Applied Sciences, vol. 7, no. 9, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s42452-025-06957-8.

S. Goswami et al., “Recent trends in the synthesis, characterization and commercial applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles- a review,” Inorganica Chimica Acta, vol. 573, p. 122350, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ica.2024.122350.

P. Pal and A. Pareek, “Zinc oxide nanoparticles: A comprehensive review on its synthesis, characterization, and role in biomedical applications as well as health risks,” Inorganic Chemistry Communications, vol. 181, p. 115314, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.inoche.2025.115314.

F. T. Z. Toma, M. S. Rahman, and K. H. Maria, “A review of recent advances in ZnO nanostructured thin films by various deposition techniques,” Discover Materials, vol. 5, no. 1, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s43939-025-00201-1.

A. Baig, M. Siddique, and S. Panchal, “A review of Visible-Light-Active Zinc Oxide Photocatalysts for Environmental Application,” Catalysts, vol. 15, no. 2, p. 100, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.3390/catal15020100.

I. Kuryliszyn-Kudelska and W. D. Dobrowolski, “Transition Metal-Doped ZNO and ZRO2 Nanocrystals: Correlations between Structure, Magnetism, and Vibrational Properties—A Review,” Applied Sciences, vol. 16, no. 2, p. 786, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.3390/app16020786.

S. Maurya, Anupam, S. Tripathi, S. Chaubey, and A. Soni, “Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of zinc oxide nanomaterials for healthcare energy and environmental systems,” Discover Chemistry., vol. 3, no. 1, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.1007/s44371-026-00570-3.

B. Lee, Y. Lee, N. Lee, D. Kim, and T. Hyeon, “Design of oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications,” Nature Reviews Materials, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 252–267, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.1038/s41578-024-00767-x.

H. Samadi, R. Z. Mohgadam, and M. G. Shahraki, “Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, photocatalyst activity and its biomedical applications: A review,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, vol. 345, p. 131161, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2025.131161.

Łukowiak and E. Stolarczyk, “Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their application in anticancer drug delivery – a review,” International Journal of Nanomedicine, vol. Volume 21, pp. 1–24, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.2147/ijn.s566276.

C. Zhu and X. Wang, “Nanomaterial ZNO Synthesis and its Photocatalytic applications: A review,” Nanomaterials, vol. 15, no. 9, p. 682, Apr. 2025, doi: 10.3390/nano15090682.

A. R. N. Aina, H. Patel, S. Aich, B. Roy, N. S. Samanta, and B. Pal, “Recent advances in ZnO based photocatalysts for industrial dye degradation,” Discover Applied Sciences, vol. 7, no. 9, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s42452-025-07530-z.

H. M. Rasheed, K. Aroosh, D. Meng, X. Ruan, M. Akhter, and X. Cui, “A review on modified ZnO to address environmental challenges through photocatalysis: Photodegradation of organic pollutants,” Materials Today Energy, vol. 48, p. 101774, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.mtener.2024.101774.

N. Mustapha, B. B. Abdelaziz, M. Benamara, and M. Hjiri, “Recent advances in doping and polymer hybridization strategies for enhancing ZNO-Based gas sensors,” Nanomaterials, vol. 15, no. 21, p. 1609, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.3390/nano15211609.

M. R. C. Sytu and J.-I. Hahm, “Principles and applications of ZNO nanomaterials in optical biosensors and ZNO Nanomaterial-Enhanced biodetection,” Biosensors, vol. 14, no. 10, p. 480, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.3390/bios14100480.