Preparation of ZnO–cellulose nanocomposites by different cellulose solution systems with a colloid mill

In this work, a novel means of producing zinc oxide (ZnO)–cellulose nanocomposites was developed. ZnO–cellulose nanocomposites were prepared by mixing a cellulose zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) aqueous solution with a cellulose NaOH/urea aqueous solution in a colloid mill at room temperature. Solutions as high as 65 wt% ZnCl₂ were considered for use as a concentrated zinc source. Nano-ZnO particles were obtained when the generated ZnO–cellulose nanocomposite was calcined at 575 °C. The properties of the ZnO–cellulose nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). The results indicated that the sizes of ZnO–cellulose nanocomposite were 30–50 nm. The concentration of cellulose in the dissolution system had an obvious effect on the sizes and shapes of the ZnO particles. The size of the ZnO–cellulose nanocomposites and nano-ZnO particles decreased and the shapes of the nano-ZnO changed from rods with a diameter of approximately 40 nm and length of 110 nm to spheroids with a diameter of approximately 40–45 nm as the cellulose concentration increased. In addition, UV absorption and photoluminescence were observed from the ZnO–cellulose nanocomposite.