Semi-automatic fabrication of ZnO nanorods by microwave plasma

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the application of automation in microwave plasma system, which is used in the synthesis of ZnO nanorods with zinc metal as a raw material. Although ZnO nanorods could be fabricated by many techniques such as the hydrothermal, or CVD, they are slow, and the process is rather complicated. Microwave plasma is another excellent option to produce ZnO nanorods with a faster speed. In this research, an automated system using an Arduino microcontroller is an additional system to the microwave plasma to enhance a continuous production of ZnO nanorods. The 4 magnetrons are added into the plasma chamber to consecutively activate the plasma with the automatically controlled process by computer. During the process, Zn ion is sputtered by microwave plasma at the sharp edge of Zn shaving. Zn nanorods are successfully synthesized without any catalyst within 1 minute. ZnO nanoparticles have a hexagonal structure. SEM analysts depict ZnO rods-like morphology with 125 nm in size. EDS spectrum, with 52.97% of Zn and 47.03% of O respectively. Due to the semi-automatic system, the plasma microwave was able to continuously generate ZnO nanorods within a short period. Additionally, they also have prominent antibacterial properties.