Preparation of ZnO nanoflakes and assessment of their removal of HCN, NO₂ and SO₂ toxic gases

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoflakes were synthesized using the wet precipitation method from aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide. The obtained materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption methods. The presence of sodium lauryl sulfate in the preparation of zinc oxide resulted in thinner, larger size, and higher specific surface area nanoflakes. The saturated adsorption capacities of zinc oxide nanoflakes for HCN, NO2, and SO2 were 216 mg g–1, 81 mg g–1, and 38 mg g–1, respectively. These results suggest that the material is a potential candidate for the removal of these toxic gases.