Shape selective metal oxide nanoarchitectures through polyol based hydrothermal synthesis and their multifunctional applications

Abstract

The works presented in this thesis encompass development of efficient and facile Polyol based synthesis methods for the growth of self-assembled metal oxide or ternary metal oxide nanomaterials and its applications in multiple areas such as electrochemical sensing (Glucose, H2O2, and nitrophenol), catalytic dye degradation (RhB, MO and MB) and enzyme mimetic activity (Peroxidase, Oxidase and laccase). We explored the morphological evolution of various metal oxides superstructures by simply controlling the kinetically/thermodynamically growth through manipulation of reaction parameters such as type of metal precursor salts, molar ratio, time and temperature. The developments as reported in the thesis are expected to add new dimensions towards transition metal oxide based composite materials for multifunctional applications. The possibility of doping with various transition metal ions could trigger target specific response for biomedical and industrial applications. Objectives In this thesis, we have developed various shape-selective metal oxide or mixed metal oxide superstructure using an efficient and facile polyol based synthesis method without any external additives or shape directing agents. The main objectives of the research works reported in this thesis are:  Understanding the role of counter anions in the growth of self-assembled Fe3O4 nanorods in polyol medium with efficient peroxidase like activity for the degradation of organic dyes in contaminated water.  Understanding the role of Zn2+ ions and the concentration of precursor salts on the shape-selective growth of octapodal CuxO-ZnO microcrystals and their application in the reductive degradation of organic pollutants and non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing of glucose.  Development of ZnO-CuxO microflowers for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide as well as p-nitrophenol and studying the effect of Cu2+ ions and PEG in the growth of the microflowers.  Development of copper pyrovanadate nanoribbons for efficient multi enzyme mimetic studies and application for biosensing of glutathione and epinephrine.