Synthesis and Characterization of Black Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Borohydride as Chemical Reducing Agents

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are extensively studied for environmental remediation and energy applications because of their photocatalytic characteristics. The extensive bandgap of traditional ZnO constrains visible light absorption, hence impeding its efficacy. To resolve this, black ZnO produced via chemical reduction introduces defect states that improve light absorption and catalytic activity. This study investigates the synthesis of black ZnO nanoparticles utilizing two chemical reducing agents, ascorbic acid and sodium borohydride, and assesses their impact on the structural and optical properties of the resultant materials.