TK4046

Basic Processing of Metallurgy

Comparison of ZnO Production from Metallurgical

Processing and ZnO Nanoparticle Processing

Aya Anisa Dwinidasari, Selli Widhi Astuti, Maulia Zahro Hanifa

(13015028), (13015044), (13015046)
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung
Jl. Ganesha 10, Bandung, Indonesia

ARTICLE INFO A B S T R ACT

Article information ZnO production can be done in various methods. There are two types of ZnO
Assigned on 22nd March 2018 products, ZnO in macro and nano sizes. In making ZnO macro size with process
Submitted on 22nd April 2018 metallurgical can be used method of type of French, America, leaching and
Keyword: electrowinning. In the production of ZnO with the size of nanoparticles can be
Zinc oxide done with three methods of physical, chemical and biological processes. ZnO
Nanoparticle macro size application are on tire vulcanization and partially utilized for
Metallurgy addition to ceramic glass. ZnO nanoparticles are more widely used in the
medical, optical and can be utilized in solar cell applications. Advantage of ZnO
macro size production is it can be generated in big scale. But disadvantage of
ZnO macro size production has a low purity. In ZnO the nano size has a higher
purity and more reactive. However, in ZnO products these nanoparticles
cannot be produced in large quantities at one time. Thus the selection of ZnO
production of macro or nano size can be adjusted to the usefulness of the ZnO.
The method used in production ZnO is selected based on economic analysis and
the amount of ZnO required.
process and the second one is French process which is
1. Introduction
well known as indirect process of metallurgical
ZnO is one of the metallurgical products that has processing. Zinc oxide that being produced from this
many applications in various fields. Zinc oxide is an metallurgical process has a macro size. In the last few
inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnO. years many industries began to develop ZnO
ZnO is a water-soluble white powder, and it is widely production in nano size. ZnO nanoparticles have some
used as an additive in various materials and products applications that cannot be reached by ZnO in macro
including rubber, plastics, ceramics, glass, cement,
size, such as antimicrobial properties because in

lubricants, paints, linings, adhesives, covers, macro materials the ratio of surface area to volume is

pigments, food, batteries, ferrite, fire extinguisher, and so small. So, the reactivity of zinc oxide macro material

first aid bandage. Though present in nature as zincite is smaller compared to zinc oxide in nanosize. The

minerals, some zinc oxide is produced synthetically. production of nanosize ZnO is a scope of
nanotechnology engineering study.
For industrial use, zinc oxide is produced for one
hundred thousand tons annually by metallurgical Nanotechnology is a new and emerging technology

process that can be divided into two types. The first with many applications. It involves the synthesis and

one is American metallurgical process or direct application of materials with dimension in the range 1-
100 nm. As nanoparticle Zinc Oxide has many

1
advantages compared to bulk ZnO material. In the
nanoscale range, the materials structures and
properties differ significantly from those of single
atoms or molecules but also from bulk materials [1].
One of them is large surface area to volume ratio
makes them an effective catalyst because they are very
reactive. These unique properties bring nanoscale
materials into an emerging wide area of application
[2].
Zinc oxide is a unique material that exhibits semi
conducting, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric multiple
properties [3]. Because of this unique nanostructures
ZnO NP have novel application in optoelectronics,
sensors, transducers, and biomedical science because
it is bio-safe[3]. ZnO can be candidates for nanoscale
transducers, actuators, and sensors because it has
piezoelectric properties. Zinc oxide NP also has
wurzite crystal structure that make this materials
excellent for application in optoelectronics and lasing
[3].
ZnO nanoparticle is an excellent semiconductor
that can be used as photocatalyst. Nowadays
photocatalyst used to remove non-biodegradable
chemicals from environment contamination by textile
industries. ZnO has a stable hexagonal wurzite
structure with space group P63mc, direct band gap
(3,37 eV), and large binding energy of 60 meV at room
temperature. Due to this excellent properties, ZnO
nanoparticle are widely used for various potential
application such as sensor, solar cell and light emitting
diode beside used as photocatalyst [4], [5].
As sensor, ZnO NP used as high-performance gas
sensor. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely
used as reactant in various chemical synthesis, but this
vapor is hazardous to human health. For examples
benzene can cause mutation in human cells because its
carcinogenic properties, acetone in environment can
cause permanent eye damage and its long lime
exposure can cause kidney, liver and nerve damage. So,
controlling and monitoring this VOCs are really
important. To monitor VOCs gas, high performance gas
sensor is needed. Semiconductor sensor using ZnO NP
due to their particular advantages such as high
response, low cost, and portability are widely used for
the detection of toxic and dangerous gases and
monitoring pollution in environment[6].
As solar cell, ZnO NP used as PSCs (Perovskite Solar
Cells). PCs has power conversion efficiencies over
22%, TiO2 is the most commonly used material for the
electron transport layer in PSCs. ZnO NP has a
potential to replace TiO2 as the electron transport
layer in PSCs. ZnO NP is an excellent inorganic
semiconductor material owing to its large surface area,
easy synthesis, direct electron pathways, large variety
of synthesizable nanostructures, and low-cost
fabrication.
This paper will review the comparison of zinc
oxide produced from metallurgical processing and zinc
oxide nanoparticle. The comparison will include the
processing routes from both ZnO and ZnO
nanoparticle, it’s application, and advantages
disadvantages of each material. The highlight of the
discussion will focus on nanotechnological processing
of zinc oxide because it is a brand new emerging
technology that will give huge contribution in future
technology.
2. Production of Zinc Oxide by Metallurgical
Processing Routes
Metallurgy is one of the fields of materials science
and engineering that studies the physical and chemical
behavior of metal elements, intermetallic compounds,
and metal alloys called alloys or lacquers. Metallurgy is
also a metal technology, namely the application of
science in the production of metals and engineering of
metal components for use on products intended for
consumers and manufacturing industries. Metal
production involves ore processing activities to extract
its metal content, and metal-joining activities,
sometimes with non-metallic elements, to produce
alloys.
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2.1 Production of Zinc Oxide using American
Process
The production of zinc oxide use calcination
method. The raw material that used in this method is
zinc carbonate. In industrial application such as rubber
compounding, it requires an oxide of high chemical
purity, uniform small particle size, and good white
colour. The commercial zinc oxide produced by
oxidizing zinc vapours known as French process zinc
Figure 1. Diagram flow of leaching method
oxide. Besides, American process zinc oxide produce
the ZnO by burning zinc ores with carbon-based fuel.
Then, the zinc content of the ore reduced to zinc
vapour that are oxidized in the combustion chamber.
The zinc carbonates that used in this process is in
the form of fine particle or powder. The decomposition
of the zinc carbonates is accompanied but breaking up
the particle the precipitation. The average of the
particle size is not greater than 0,1 to 0,15 microns.
In pyrometallurgical process, begins with a
downdraft sintering operation. The mixture of roaster
calcine and electric arc furnace calcine loaded onto a
gate type conveyor and then the combustion gases
pumped through the sinter. The carbon in the
combustion gases react with the impurities then
driven off into the filtration bags. The sinter product is
then charged with coke into an electric retort furnace.
A pair of electrode produce the current flow through
the mixture. The reaction happens and produce Zn-
vapour. The zinc vapour and carbon dioxide pass to a
vacuum condenser. The zinc recovered by bubbling
through a molten zinc bath. The zinc vapour then
condensed to liquid zinc.
Another method that use to produce zinc oxide is
hydrometallurgical process. It can have used for
recovery Zn from Zn-plant leach residue. A sequential
extraction procedure used to recovery the Zn. 1 gram
of Zn-plant leach residue was placed in 250 mL
Erlenmeyer flask and dissolve by solvents at current
temperature. It also uses agitation for mixing the
solvent and the residue. The agitation process used
150 rpm for 1 hour at room temperature. Then the
leachate was centrifuged at 4000 g for 10 minutes to
separate the supernatant and the residue. After that
the supernatant filtered by nitrocellulars filter,
acidified by HNO3 and analyzed the Zn concentration.
M. Sethurajan (2017) found that Zn leaching does
not depend on the mass transfer through the liquid
boundary, when the agitation exceeds 150 rpm.
Another invention is the increase in temperature and
acid concentration produce a good Zn leaching yield.
Sodium hydroxide/sulphide addition helps to remove
the impurities such as Cd, Cu, and Fe from An-plant
Leach residue leachate.
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 Electrowinning also can be another method to
produce zinc oxide. The raw material commonly used
Figure 2. Diagram flow of electrowinning method
to produce electrolytes, is less complex than the Waelz
oxide and the double leached Waelz oxides ones. The
liquor used in the electrowinning is sulphuric liquor
that should be prepared. The preparation divided into
3 steps. firstly, keep the pH constant at 3.5 by sulphuric
acid addition at room temperature. Then oxidation
was carried out to reduce the iron content in the liquor.
The final step is cementation using zinc dust. It makes
the other metallic impurities such as cadmium or lead
were easily removed. The metallic zinc production in
the electrowinning process takes place through the
reaction:
ZnSO4 + H2 O → Zn + H2SO4 + ½O2 (1)
Metallic zinc is precipitated in the cathode while
sulphate ion react with the hydrogen
2.2 Production of Zinc Oxide using French
Process
ZnO is an intermediate product often produced.
The main uses of ZnO are in rubber, pharmaceutical,
glass and paint industries. ZnO can be characterized as
n type semiconductor material [7]. ZnO can be
produced in various ways. "French Process" One of the
common methods in ZnO production is the indirect
production used in the Slovak Republic. This indirect
process can be run through the combustion of
pyrometallurgy from zinc. The method is called
"French Process". This method is a method to produce
ZnO with a large scale in the industry. This indirect
production process begins with melting of zinc and
oxidation with oxygen from the air. This method was
developed by Le Clair in France from 1840 to 1850 [8].
The production process by this method is done by
batch system with zinc metal processing in rotary
furnace. The zinc metal is melted and evaporated. The
raw materials used in this method are zinc metal and
zinc alloy. The quality of the ZnO product produced
depends on the original feedstock. The quality of ZnO
produced will decrease due to the slag concentration
in the production process of the galvanic process
containing elements of Pb, Fe, and Al. Metal metals
with mass percentages greater than 90% wt Zn are
categorized as zinc alloys.
In the coke generation process, thermal energy will
be generated for oxidation burning from zinc, so that
zinc steam will be generated from this process. The
process takes place at temperatures greater than
100oC. The rate of zinc vapor produced is 8-12 m.s-1. It
will lead to a rapid oxidation process with oxygen
4
under atmospheric conditions. This reaction is 3. Synthesize of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle
indicated by the presence of green and white fire at a
As nanoparticle zinc oxide synthesis method can be
temperature of 1000 to 1400 ° C [9]. The production
approached by two categories which is top down and
process is an atmospheric reduction process through
bottom up method. Top down approach involves size
the following reactions:
reduction of bulk (micro) sized materials into nano-
𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛(𝑙) → 𝑍𝑛(𝑔) (2) scale using high energy ball milling or microfluidizers
to break down dispersed solid to 100 nm [2]. In top
1 +𝐶𝑂/𝐶𝑂2
𝑍𝑛(𝑔) + 𝑂2 (𝑔) → 𝑍𝑛𝑂(𝑠) (3) down approach, powdered materials are crushed
2

mechanically using high energy ball mill using steel or

Small quantities of coal dust are added to the
tungsten carbide. Top down approach route is not
rotary furnace. Coal serves as a reduction agent. Excess
frequently used to synthesize nanoparticle that need
amounts of coal can separate the particles from the
to be uniform in size. The size of the nanoparticle that
concentrate to prevent the formation of easily melt
produced using this method can’t be very small too
able mixtures. There are various types of coke, which
even with high energy consumption [2]. Because of
are casting coke, blast furnace coke or wood coal which
this disadvantage, Zinc Oxide NP synthesis using this
is often used to produce the required energy.
method is not popular.
The presence of mutual reactions between
Bottom up approach is more preferred to
elements and compounds in furnace aggregates can
synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticle. This route can
cause the lining of refractory walls of ZnO. ZnO has the
generate nanoparticle with uniform size, shape, and
ability to interfuse into cracks, pores from the walls so
distribution. Within bottom up routes
that it can cause damage [10]. The presence of ZnO in
physical/aerosol, wet/chemical, and green/biological
a blast furnace can lead to degradation of coke and iron
method is widely used.
ore. The overall flow diagram of French process is
shown on the figure below [11]. 3.1 Physical/Aerosol Synthesis of Zinc Oxide
nanoparticle

The synthesis process uses laser scan along the

thin metallic films until forming the nanoparticle ZnO.
The result of the synthesis process depends on the
laser irradiation parameter. The parameters are pulse
fluence, integrated fluence, laser scan speed and
number of scan.

In the study by Esqueda-Barrón dkk., (2018), they

use 500 nm metallic Zn thin film in the fused silica
substrate. The source of the laser is Ti: Sapphire fs at
800 nm centaur wavelength, 90 MHz repetition rate.
The processing of the laser carried out in atmospheric
air. Firstly, the thin film was placed in the mouth of the
computer that controlled in the XYZ stage. It will be
allowed the sample condition monitored. Then, the
laser beam focused using 25 mm focal length lens. The
laser beam captured the image. After that they use
Figure 3. Process flow diagram of French process
imageJ software to measure the beam waist. The track

5
processed with the fs laser described by two specific
zones across the transversal section of the track. There
is central zone that is the area of the direct laser
interaction where the optical confinement process
happens and border zone that is the area of indirect
laser interaction where the material transformation
occurs.
Figure 4. . ZnO nanoparticle synthesis using physical
method [12].
start
The thin metallic Zn
film placed in the
mouth of the
computer
The laser beam
focused using 25 mm image
focal lenght
finish
Figure 5. Block flow diagram of ZnO nanoparticle
synthesis using laser irradiation [12].
The laser processed tracks were analyzed by
scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force
Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and
electrical measurement using two tungsten electrodes.
The SEM characterization shows clearly the
morphology of the ZnO that have been collected based
on the integrated fluence and the laser scan speed. The
high integrated fluence and lo laser scan speed
produces large faced particle. While the lower
integrated fluence and faster laser scan produce flake-
like background full of tiny (nano) dots. The result of
the single and multiple scan has no significant
difference on the morphology. It also obtained that an
increase in the per pulse laser fluence produce better
quality of ZnO. The XRD measurement confirmed the
form of wurtzite structure. The structure is well-
known as good quality of ZnO. The best quality of ZnO
obtained from high per pulse laser fluence, medium
integrated laser fluences, and fast laser scan speed.
From the electrical measurement obtained that the
lowest resistivity corresponds to the best crystallize of
the obtained ZnO.
3.2 Chemical/Wet Synthesis of Zinc Oxide
Nanoparticle
One of the methods for the manufacture of ZnO
nanoparticles is by chemical synthesis. The method to
be discussed is the method of wet chemical synthesis.
ZnO is a phosphorus oxide that has many benefits in
the optical and biomedical fields. Applications of ZnO
are for light emitting diodes of transparent oxide
conductors, and photocatalysts. The stability and non-
toxic properties of ZnO can be utilized as a bio imaging
agent and antibacterial agent.
Nowadays, there are so many chemical methods to
synthesize ZnO that has been found. Two of them is by
microemulsion and sol/gel precipitation.
Microemulsion precipitation synthesis will be
explained below.
During material synthesis, capping agents are used
at the colloidal mixing stage to prevent excessive
growth and agglomeration of nanoparticles. For ZnO,
the capping agent used may be polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA). polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), triethanolamine
(TEA) etc. Other than that, surfactant molecules can be
used as capping agent too. Surfactant molecules have
two active sides, the first one is hydrophobic
6
molecules, and the other is hydrophilic molecules. The from ZnO. ZnO with chitosan capping agent can be
hydrophilic molecules will stick to ZnO NP wo control used in the application of UV protector, and anti-
the growth. Consequently, some of the mentioned microbial agent. The main synthesis technique of ZnO
capping agents have minimal limits of use in the scope nanoparticle manufacture is sol-gel technique,
of biology. Therefore, the use of natural polymers is chemical precipitation, hydrothermal, etc. The
preferred in such applications. characterization techniques used are (X-Ray
diffraction) XRD, (Fourier transform infrared
Chitosan is one of the natural polysacchides found
spectroscopy) FTIR, and (photoluminescence) PL.
in crustacean shells, molluscans and cell walls of
several fungi. Chitosan is a non-toxic substance. The materials that used in the synthesis process
Chitosan is a biocompatible and biodegradable are zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide pellets from
polymer and is often used in agriculture and medical Merck with 98%, and chitosan.
industries. Chitosan can be used as a capping agent

Figure 6. Schematic process of the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by wet chemical method

The method for synthesis Zn nanoparticles are by
preparing 0,1 M zinc acetate in 50 mL methanol as the
precursor. Then, 0.175 M NaOH was added and stirred
for 1.5 hour at room temperature. Then it is
centrifugally filtered and dried in oven. The result of the
process above is a white product that grinded to get fine
powder of ZnO: Na nano phosphor. After that, the
capping was done by adding 4 mg of chitosan after
NaOH during the mixing process. In the Figure 1 is
shown the schematic process of the synthesis of ZnO
nanoparticles.
The product of the synthesis process
characterized with XRD. The result is a hexagonal
structured nanoparticle. The capping process reduces
the grain size, the lattice constant, and increases the
lattice strain. The smaller grain size leads to more
intense and pure yellow emission.
For sol-gel synthesis, this method involves the
condensation and hydroxylation of precursor
molecules[13]. The crystalline nanostructures are
influenced by the gel properties [14].
Another example of chemical method is co-
precipitation. In co-precipitation, a salt precursor is
converted into its respective metal hydroxide in an
aqueous medium with the addition of ammonium
hydroxide or sodium hydroxide [13].
is

7
3.3 Biology/Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide The processing routes start with mixing the natural
Nanoparticle extract with ZnO precursor like Zn(NO3)2. This
compound stirred constantly using shaker or magnetic
Since the nineteenth century scientist have been
stirrer at various temperature range from ambient
well aware of the ability of biological entities to reduce
temperature to 150ºC for at least 6 hours to facilitate
metal precursors[15]. Biological synthesis
the formation for zinc oxide nanoparticles [13]. After
nanoparticle is a “Bottom Up” approach similar to
completion of reaction the solution was allowed to
chemical reduction where reducing agent is replaced by
settle and the white precipitate that are formed
extract from natural product such as plant, virus, yeast
separated from supernatant liquid using centrifugation
etc. This natural extract has stabilizing, growth
[16]. To dry the product and make sure that all Zn(OH)2
terminating, inhibits aggregation or agglomeration
converted into ZnO the calcination took place.
process, and capping properties [15]. Reducing agent
Calcination for ZnO nanoparticle usually done in 400ºC
has a role to reduce Zinc cation in the, while capping
for at least 4 hours [17]. Calcination in ZnO nanoparticle
agent used to stabilize nanoparticle and controlling
synthesis is optional because naturally ZnO is easily
particle growth.
formed as long as the reaction exposed to the open air
Active compound in plant extract that can be used [9],[11]. After the white precipitation dried, the
as reducing agent is polyphenol. Polyphenol has characteristic of ZnO nanoparticle tested using UV-Vis
hydroxide group which will creating bond with zinc [18], XRD [19], FTIR[20], and DLS[21].
cation to create Zn(OH)2 which will be converted into
From the previous studies, ZnO can be synthesized
zinc oxide if the process is open to the air. In general,
using aloe vera gel or leaves extract [16], Pongamia
synthesis zinc oxide NP using biological routes can be
pinnata [21], orange peel [22], Cassia fistula [23] and
described in the block flow diagram below.
many more. For synthesis using aloe vera leaves, zinc
nitrate dissolved in the aloe vera extract solution under
ZnO Natural
stirring using magnetic stirrer [16]. After vigorous
precursor Extract
stirring at 150ºC for 5 to 6 hours the mixture cooled at
room temperature and the supernatant liquid is
discarded. The solid product centrifuged twice at 4500
rpm for 15 minutes after thorough washing and dried
Mixing
at 80ºC. Resulting dried solid precipitate was crushed
into powder and stored in air tight container for
analysis[16].
Centrifugation
Characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticle that
synthesized using aloe vera extract as template done
using some equipment to characterize each property.

Calcination Optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles were

characterized based on UV absorption spectra and
photoluminescence (PL). Chemical composition was
studied by using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared
ZnO
Nanoparticle Spectroscopy). The shape and size of the product
characterized using SEM (Scanning Electron

Figure 7. Zinc Oxide nanoparticle synthesis using Spectroscopy). Morphology of particle analyzed using

biological method TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). Size

distribution were estimated based on TEM

8
Micrographs. Estimating particle distribution using this
method can’t represent the actual particle distribution.
The more accurate instrument to characterize particle
distribution is using DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering)
[24]. Phase purities and grain size were determined
using XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis [16].
Size and shape of the nanoparticle that being
synthesize using this method depend on growth
medium parameter such as pH, temperature, salt
concentration, and exposure time [15]. The mechanism
of biologically mediated synthesis nanoparticles not
know for sure until now because the complexity of this
process and plant extract [25].
Compared to physical and chemical method,
biological synthesis routes of ZnO nanoparticle is time
consuming. Chemical routes need only 2-3 hours to
produce ZnO nanoparticle while biological need 6 hours
in minimum. But compared to chemical and physical,
this routes use less energy and more eco-friendly [26].
Chemical and physical method is potentially hazardous
to environment and also responsible for various
biological risks [27], [28]. Biological synthesis or green
synthesis using cheap reagent such as plant extract or
yeast, so synthesis of nanoparticle using this method
more greener, environmental friendly, cost effective,
and having no negative effect to human health and
environment [27].
4. Application of Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide has many applications in numerous field.
Most of the application exploit the reactivity of zinc
oxide as a precursor than other zinc compound. As bulk
material and nanomaterial zinc oxide has a few
different applications. Zinc oxide usually applied in
rubber manufacture. Along with stearic acid, zinc oxide
used in vulcanization of rubber. ZnO additives in rubber
processing can protect rubber from fungi because ZnO
has antimicrobial activity and UV light.
Besides rubber manufacturing, ZnO widely used in
ceramic industries too. ZnO has relatively high heat
capacities, thermal conductivity, and high temperature
stability that makes ZnO reliable to add to ceramic glaze
composition. A commercial ceramic glaze usually
contains 6.36% of ZnO [29]. ZnO will affect the optical
properties from the ceramic glaze. Ceramic glaze
containing 6-10% of ZnO will give glossy white opaque
optical properties [30]. Addition of ZnO to ceramic glaze
will affect its melting point too. By substituting ZnO for
BaO and PbO, the heat capacity is decreased and
thermal conductivity increased [31].
In medicine ZnO and 0,5% iron(III) oxide mixed to
create calamine lotions. If mixed with eugenol, ZnO will
creates ligand zinc oxide eugenol which can be applied
in restorative and prosthodontic in dentistry. Zinc oxide
is widely used to treat a variety of skin condition,
including dermatitis, itching because of eczema, diaper
rash, and acne. But ZnO that can be applied in medical
is fine particle ZnO. This happens because antimicrobial
properties in ZnO is not too strong like silver. So, in bulk
material this antimicrobial activity not visible.
5. Discussion
Zinc oxide nanoparticle has several advantages
compared to zinc oxide synthesized from metallurgical
routes. Zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticle can be
used for various applications. Currently zinc oxide
nanoparticles are utilized commercially for additional
ingredients in the sunblock lotion. Zinc oxide can
protect a surface from UV rays so it is suitable for
sunblock. Zinc oxide macro size actually has this
property also, but because in macro size, the protection
against uv is not very strong. If we want to produce the
same UV protection properties as ZnO nanoparticles,
we need ZnO in large quantities. That’s why zinc oxide
nanoparticle is preferred for sunblock additives than
ordinary zinc oxide. Actually, zinc oxide in macro size
can be reduced to nano size, but this procedure requires
greater energy and cost because it takes crushing by
using high energy ball mill for a long time.
In terms of production quantities, ZnO produced
from metallurgical processes produce more product
than nanoparticle synthesis. In addition the raw
materials used in the production of zinc oxide using
metallurgical process also cheaper than the raw
materials for nanoparticle synthesis. Raw material for
9
zinc oxide production using metallurgy process is zinc
ore. In 2018, it cost 1.47 US dollars per pound. When
compared, the price of raw materials for the synthesis
zinc oxide is 36.95 US dollars per pound. This difference
is very large it’s almost reached 300%. However, the
purity of zinc oxide obtained from the metallurgical
process is lower than that of ZnO nanoparticles. So,
although the raw material price is cheaper, ZnO
production process through the metallurgical line is not
effective because the purity of the product is lower than
product from nanoparticle synthesis so that additional
process is required to purify ZnO.
In terms of application, ZnO nanoparticle has wider
applicability than ZnO in macro size. Ordinary ZnO may
not be applied like ZnO nanoparticles, but ZnO
nanoparticles can be applied like ordinary ZnO. An
example is antimicrobial in the medical world. Regular
ZnO does not have strong antimicrobial properties
because it is less reactive. This causes if ordinary ZnO
will be applied as an antimicrobial, this particle must be
added in large quantities. However, although zinc oxide
nanoparticles can be applied to replace the macro-size
zinc oxide, this is rarely done because of the production
of ZnO nanoparticles that cannot meet the quantity
required for the production process of a certain
product. For example, in the tire production process,
zinc oxide is needed in large quantities to be added in
the vulcanization process. If zinc oxide is used in nano
size, although it is more reactive the required amount
remains unfulfilled. In addition, the cost required to
synthesize ZnO NP is also greater if the quantity
required is so large that it is uneconomical to apply to
the tire production process.
The ZnO production process using metallurgical
routes produces more harmful waste than ZnO
nanoparticles synthesis. This is because the
metallurgical process using raw materials in the form of
zinc ores. In the zinc ores there are so many impurities
like Pb. So, when this ore processed it will produce
waste or byproducts that contain Pb. Pb containing
waste is dangerous to human health and environment
because it is a heavy metal and has teratogenic
characteristic. Because metallurgical routes generate
more harmful waste in considerable quantities, the
production process using this routes requires greater
waste management costs compared to the synthesis of
zinc oxide nanoparticles. In addition, the energy
required to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles by using
metallurgical pathways is also greater because the
reaction required at 1000ºC in the process of
carbothermic reduction while for the synthesis of ZnO
nanoparticles reaction is usually done at a maximum
temperature of 150ºC so it is more energy efficient.
6. Conclusion
From the study, the following conclusions can be
drawn:
 ZnO is a material often used as an
intermediate material. ZnO is rarely used as a
finished product, but rather as a raw material
of a process, for example in the process of tire
vulcanization and the manufacture of solar
cells. In addition, ZnO is also used in the
medical and cosmetic world. In the medical
world, ZnO is used as a mixture for dental
patches because it has anti-microbial
properties. In the cosmetics industry, ZnO is
used as an additive to sunblock because it can
block UV light.
 Selection of the production line from ZnO
depends on the desired product qualification.
If ZnO is required in large quantities, for
example in the manufacturing process of
rubber and tires, the appropriate process is a
metallurgical process. This is because the
metallurgy process can produce ZnO in large
quantities. Whereas, if ZnO required is not in
large quantity, but based on product quality
specification. An example is the medical and
cosmetic industries that do not require large
amounts of ZnO, but they require strong anti-
microbial properties.
 In terms of energy use, the metallurgical
production line consumes more energy than
the ZnO nanotechnology processing line. This
10
 is because the metallurgical process requires
a high temperature of about 1000oC.
 Based on environmental aspects,
metallurgical processing lines will result in
higher carbon emissions due to combustion
and carbothermic.
 Based on the safety aspect, ZnO produced
from the metallurgical line comes from zinc
ore which also contains impurities in the form
of Pb. Therefore, the resulting product tends
to contain Pb in sufficient quantities so it
cannot be applied to the cosmetic and medical
industries
7. References
[1] K. J. Klabunde dan R. Richards, Nanoscale
Materials in Chemistry, vol. 3. 2001.
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