Effect of Polymers (PEG and PVP) on Sol‐Gel Synthesis of Microsized Zinc Oxide

Fibers irregular and seed‐like microcrystalline ZnO were synthesized by using a cost‐effective and low temperature aqueous sol‐gel method. Various polymers, namely, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), were used as structure directing agents. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X‐ray diffraction pattern revealed the formation of phase‐pure ZnO micropowders. It is observed that the polymers play an important role in modifying the surface morphology and the size of the crystallites. A compact granular morphology is observed for the ZnO samples without polymer. The samples exhibit microparticles of size 100 nm for PVP and for PEG‐mediated growth, whereas microporous corrugated morphology is observed for added PEG‐mediated micropowder. FTIR study is used to confirm the structural modifications occurring in the polymers.