ZnO nanoparticle by solar energy and their catalytic application for α-amino phosphonates synthesis

Abstract A novel, simple, efficient, one step synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONPs) has been developed using concentrated solar energy. ZnONPs were synthesized by additives-free and calcinations-free methodology using zinc acetate and 1,4-butanediol. Concentrated solar energy acts as a duel energy source (radiational and thermal) for the nanoparticle synthesis. The structural and morphological details of ZnONPs were characterized by techniques like TEM, XRD, EDAX and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The prepared nanoparticles were in the size ranging from 10–15 nm with a maximum contribution of hexagonal and triangular nanoplates. Synthesized nanoparticles showed the greater catalytic applicability in the α-amino phosphonates synthesis. This method is greener, cleaner, faster and cost effective compared to conventional method.