A Review on the Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Various Industries and Biomedical Fields: Enhancing Chemical and Physical Characteristics

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a mineral compound commonly found as a white powder that is insoluble in water. It has a wide range of applications in various industries, including tile and ceramic manufacturing, glass production, rubber and lubricant production, paint formulation, adhesive and sealant production, battery manufacturing, food products, and medicine, such as wound dressings and dental materials. Additionally, ZnO nanoparticles are used in bone regeneration in conjunction with other ceramic nanoparticles and batteries. While ZnO can occur naturally, it is typically chemically synthesized to obtain an off-white crystalline powder. When heated, it temporarily changes color to yellow but returns to its original white color upon cooling. One practical method for achieving high energy storage capacity is to use oxygen from the air as the cathode (positive electrode) and a metal like zinc or aluminum as the anode (negative electrode) in a cell. In such a cell, the proportion of the oxygen cathode naturally decreases compared to the existing anode. There are various methods for producing ZnO, including direct, indirect, wet chemical, and laboratory synthesis. ZnO possesses unique properties such as antibacterial and anti-ultraviolet radiation properties, as well as high heat capacity, making it highly desirable for diverse industrial applications. This review paper specifically focused on synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method, followed by characterization using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images of the synthesized nanoparticles revealed their spherical and occasionally rod-shaped morphology, with particle sizes ranging between 30-50 microns. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are extensively used in cosmetic products such as face powder, lipstick, and creams due to their moisturizing, antibiotic, and deodorant properties. They are also employed as additives in oil, glue, and drying agents, as well as catalysts in methanol synthesis. Moreover, zinc oxide is commonly included in sunscreens due to its ability to reflect ultraviolet rays and its anti-sebum effects. Various methods, including sol-gel, precipitation, hydrothermal, microemulsion, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and biological approaches, can be employed to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles.