https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-026-02218-w
Review
Applications of sol–gel-processed zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures and thin films
1
Department of Science and Humanities, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), 620012, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
2
Department of Physics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, 610005, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
3
Department of Chemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, 610005, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
4
Department of Physics, Tara Government College (A), Sangareddy, Affiliated to Osmania University, 502001, Telangana, India
a
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Received:
13
November
2025
Accepted:
14
February
2026
Published online:
16
March
2026
Abstract
The sol–gel technique has emerged as a cost-effective, versatile, and efficient method for synthesizing ZnO nanostructures and thin films with controlled morphology and superior functional properties. This review highlights the synthesis mechanisms, process parameters and wide-ranging applications of sol–gel-derived ZnO materials. The sol–gel process enables precise control over particle size, phase, and porosity, making it suitable for producing high-purity ZnO with tunable optical, electrical, and catalytic characteristics. Recent advances demonstrate that sol–gel-derived ZnO nanostructures are highly effective in photocatalytic environmental remediation, hydrogen generation, and diverse biomedical applications including antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer therapies. In addition, ZnO nanostructures have shown promise in biosensing, bioimaging, tissue engineering, and energy storage systems such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The review also discusses the effects of doping and composite formation on enhancing photocatalytic and electrochemical performance. Overall, sol–gel processing provides a sustainable route to engineer ZnO nanostructures for next-generation technologies, bridging materials science and applied research across environmental, biomedical and energy domains.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
