Modified Pechini synthesis of Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ nanoparticles

Synthesis of Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ nanoparticles by means of the modified Pechini method is reported. The introduced modifications are based on a proper selection of complexing and polymeric agents, as well as on an optimization of process parameters. The purpose of this optimization was to reduce process duration and temperature. A polymeric system of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and mannitol was used. The thermal behavior of the applied polymeric system is discussed, based on its thermogravimetric measurements. The phase uniformity of obtained powders was studied using X-ray diffraction and crystallographic calculations were done to confirm their orthorhombic structure. The morphology of synthesized materials was investigated by means of a scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The influence of organic part quantity on Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ particles size and their agglomeration is discussed. The electrophoretic measurements for a Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ powder were performed to evaluate its isoelectric point. Owing to deagglomeration process and filtration, nano-fraction of Bi₂ZnB₂O₇ particles was separated. - Highlights: • Nanocrystalline BZBO was obtained by means of modified Pechini method. • XRD indicated that synthesis parameters influenced the BZBO phase uniformity. • SEM revealed that the organics quantity affects the particle size and agglomeration. • The mean spheroidal particle size of extracted BZBO was ca. d = 41 nm. • It was confirmed that the alkaline conditions favor decrease of agglomeration.