Sonoelectrochemical Synthesis of Nano Zinc(II) Complex with 2-Methyl-8-Hydroxyquinoline Ligand: a Precursor to Produce Pure Phase Nano-Sized Zinc(II) Oxide.

A new zinc complex, [Zn(mq)2], (mq = 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline) was prepared via an electrochemical route from the oxidation of zinc metal in the presence of 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline in a fast and facile process. The complex was fully characterized by means of NMR and IR spectra and elemental analysis. The nanostructure of the prepared compound was obtained by sonoelectrochemical process and studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermal stability of crystalline bulk and nano-size samples of the prepared compound was studied by thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The photoluminescence properties of the prepared compounds, as crystalline bulk and as nano-structure, have been investigated. The results showed a good correlation between the size and the shape of the complex particle and emission wavelength. The prepared complexes, as bulk and as nano-particles, were utilized as a precursor for preparation of ZnO nanoparticles by direct thermal decomposition at 550 °C in air. The nano-structures of ZnO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy.